Nucleic acid detection methods using universal priming

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to providing sensitive and accurate assays for genotyping with a minimum or absence of target-specific amplification.

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/779,376, filed Feb. 7, 2001, which is based on and claims the benefit of Provisional Applications Serial Nos. 60/234,732, filed Feb. Sep. 22, 2000, and 60/180,810, filed Feb. 7, 2000, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to providing sensitive and accurate assays for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a minimum or absence of target-specific amplification.

[0003] The detection of specific nucleic acids is an important tool for diagnostic medicine and molecular biology research. Gene probe assays currently play roles in identifying infectious organisms such as bacteria and viruses, in probing the expression of normal and mutant genes and identifying mutant genes such as oncogenes, in typing tissue for compatibility preceding tissue transplantation, in matching tissue or blood samples for forensic medicine, and for exploring homology among genes from different species.

[0004] Ideally, a gene probe assay should be sensitive, specific and easily automatable (for a review, see Nickerson, Current Opinion in Biotechnology 4:48-51 (1993)). The requirement for sensitivity (i.e. low detection limits) has been greatly alleviated by the development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other amplification technologies which allow researchers to amplify exponentially a specific nucleic acid sequence before analysis (for a review, see Abramson et al., Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 4:41-47 (1993)).

[0005] Specificity, in contrast, remains a problem in many currently available gene probe assays. The extent of molecular complementarity between probe and target defines the specificity of the interaction. Variations in the concentrations of probes, of targets and of salts in the hybridization medium, in the reaction temperature, and in the length of the probe may alter or influence the specificity of the probe/target interaction.

[0006] It may be possible under some circumstances to distinguish targets with perfect complementarity from targets with mismatches, although this is generally very difficult using traditional technology, since small variations in the reaction conditions will alter the hybridization. New experimental techniques for mismatch detection with standard probes include DNA ligation assays where single point mismatches prevent ligation and probe digestion assays in which mismatches create sites for probe cleavage.

[0007] Recent focus has been on the analysis of the relationship between genetic variation and phenotype by making use of polymorphic DNA markers. Previous work utilized short tandem repeats (STRs) as polymorphic positional markers; however, recent focus is on the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which occur at an average frequency of more than 1 per kilobase in human genomic DNA. Some SNPs, particularly those in and around coding sequences, are likely to be the direct cause of therapeutically relevant phenotypic variants and/or disease predisposition. There are a number of well known polymorphisms that cause clinically important phenotypes; for example, the apoE2/3/4 variants are associated with different relative risk of Alzheimer's and other diseases (see Cordor et al., Science 261(1993). Multiplex PCR amplification of SNP loci with subsequent hybridization to oligonucleotide arrays has been shown to be an accurate and reliable method of simultaneously genotyping at least hundreds of SNPs; see Wang et al., Science, 280:1077 (1998); see also Schafer et al., Nature Biotechnology 16:33-39 (1998). The compositions of the present invention may easily be substituted for the arrays of the prior art.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a very sensitive and accurate approach for genotyping with a minimum or absence of target-specific amplification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIGS. 1-6 depict preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0010]FIG. 7 depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a poly(A)-poly(T) capture to remove unhybridized probes and targets. Target sequence 5 comprising a poly(A) sequence 6 is hybridized to target probe 115 comprising a target specific sequence 70, an adapter seqeuence 20, an unstream universal priming site 25, and a downstream universal priming site 26. The resulting hybridization complex is contacted with a bead 51 comprising a linker 55 and a poly(T) capture probe 61.

[0011]FIG. 8 depicts a preferred embodiment of removing non-hybridized target probes, utilizing an OLA format. Target 5 is, hybridized to a first ligation probe 100 comprising a first target specific sequence 15, detection position 10, an adapter seqeuence 20, an unstream universal priming site 25, and an optional label 30, and a second ligation probe 110 comprising a second target specific sequence 16, a downstream universal priming site 26, and a nuclease inhibitor 35. After ligation, denaturation of the hybridization complex and addition of an exonuclease, the ligated target probe 115 and the second ligation probe 110 is all that is left. The addition of this to an array (in this embodiment, a bead array comprising substrate 40, bead 50 with linker 55 and capture probe 60 that is substantially complementary to the adapter sequence 20), followed by washing away of the second ligation probe 110 results in a detectable complex.

[0012]FIG. 9 depicts a preferred rolling circle embodiment utilizing two ligation probes. Target 5 is hybridized to a first ligation probe 100 comprising a first target specific sequence 15, detection position 10, an adapter seqeuence 20, an unstream universal priming site 25, an adapter sequence 20 and a RCA primer sequence 120, and a second ligation probe 110 comprising a second target specific sequence 16 and a downstream universal priming site 26. Following ligation, an RCA sequence 130 is added, comprising a first universal primer 27 and a second universal primer 28. The priming sites hybridize to the primers and ligation occurs, forming a circular probe. The RCA sequence 130 serves as the RCA primer for subsequent amplification. An optional restriction endonuclease site is not shown.

[0013]FIG. 10 depicts preferred a rolling circle embodiment utilizing a single target probe. Target 5 is hybridized to a target probe 115 comprising a first target specific sequence 15, detection position 10, an adapter sequence 20, an upstream universal priming site 25, a RCA priming site 140, optional label sequence 150 and a second target specific sequence 16. Following ligation, denaturation, and the addition of the RCA primer and extension by a polymerase, amplicons are generated. An optional restriction endonuclease site is not shown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In accordance with the embodiments outlined above, the present invention provides a method of determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence comprising providing a first probe comprising an upstream universal priming site (UUP); an adapter sequence; a first target-specific sequence comprising a first base at a readout position; and a downstream universal priming site (DUP); contacting said first probe with said target sequence under conditions whereby only if said first base is perfectly complementary to a nucleotide at said detection position is a first hybridization complex formed; removing non-hybridized first probes; denaturing said hybridization complex; amplifying said first probe to generate a plurality of amplicons; contacting said amplicons with an array of capture probes; and determining the nucleotide at said detection position

[0015] In addition, the invention provides a method of determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence comprising: providing a plurality of readout probes each comprising an upstream universal priming site (UUP); an adapter sequence; a target-specific sequence comprising a unique base at a readout position; and a downstream universal priming site (DUP); contacting said detection probes with said target sequence under conditions whereby only if said base at said readout position is perfectly complementary to a nucleotide at said detection position is a first hybridization complex formed; removing non-hybridized first probes; denaturing said first hybridization complex; amplifying said detection probes to generate a plurality of amplicons; contacting said amplicons with an array of capture probes; and determining the nucleotide at said detection position.

[0016] In addition, the invention provides a method of determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence comprising a first target domain comprising said detection position and a second target domain adjacent to said detection position, wherein said method comprises hybridizing a first ligation probe to said first target domain, said first ligation probe comprising) an upstream universal priming site (UUP); and a first target-specific sequence; and hybridizing a second ligation probe to said second target domain, said second ligation probe comprising a downstream universal priming site (DUP); and a second target-specific sequence comprising a first base at an interrogation position; wherein if said first base is perfectly complementary to said nucleotide at said detection position a ligation complex is formed and wherein at least one of said first and second ligation probes comprises an adapter sequence; removing non-hybridized first probes; providing a ligase that ligates said first and second ligation probes to form a ligated probe; amplifying said ligated probe to generate a plurality of amplicons; contacting said amplicons with an array of capture probes; and determining the nucleotide at said detection position.

[0017] In addition the invention provides a method of determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence comprising a first target domain comprising said detection position and a second target domain adjacent to said detection position, wherein said method comprises: hybridizing a first ligation probe to said first target domain, said first ligation probe comprising: an upstream universal priming site (UUP); and a first target-specific sequence; and hybridizing a second ligation probe to said second target domain, said second ligation probe comprising: a downstream universal priming site (DUP); and a second target-specific sequence comprising a first base at an interrogation position; wherein if said first base is perfectly complementary to said nucleotide at said detection position a ligation complex is formed and wherein at least one of said first and second ligation probes comprises an adapter sequence; removing non-hybridized first probes; providing a ligase that ligates said first and second ligation probes to form a ligated probe; hybridizing said ligated probe to a rolling circle (RC) sequence comprising: an upstream priming sequence; and a downstream priming sequence; providing a ligase that ligates said upstream and downstream priming sites to form a circular ligated probe; amplifying said circular ligated probe to generate a plurality of amplicons; contacting said amplicons with an array of capture probes; and determining the nucleotide at said detection position.

[0018] In addition the invention provides a method of determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence comprising a first target domain comprising said detection position and a second target domain adjacent to said detection position, wherein said method comprises:) hybridizing a rolling circle (RC) probe to said target sequence, said RC probe comprising an upstream universal priming site (UUP); and a first target-specific sequence; a second target-specific sequence comprising a first base at an interrogation position; and an adapter sequence; wherein if said first base is perfectly complementary to said nucleotide at said detection position a ligation complex is formed; providing a ligase that ligates said first and second ligation probes to form a ligated probe; amplifying said ligated probe to generate a plurality of amplicons; contacting said amplicons with an array of capture probes; and determining the nucleotide at said detection position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is directed to the detection and quantification of a variety of nucleic acid reactions, particularly using microsphere arrays. In particular, the invention relates to genotyping, done using either genomic DNA, cDNA or mRNA, without prior amplification of the specific targets. In addition, the invention can be utilized with adapter sequences to create universal arrays. In some embodiments, the invention further relates to the detection of genomic sequences and quantification (expression monitoring or profiling) of cDNA.

[0020] The invention can be generally described as follows. A plurality of probes (sometimes referred to herein as “target probes”) are designed to have at least three different portions: a first portion that is target-specific and two “universal priming” portions, an upstream and a downstream universal priming sequence. These target probes are hybridized to target sequences from a sample, without prior amplification, to form hybridization complexes. Non-hybridized sequences (both target probes and sample nucleic acids that do not contain the sequences of interest) are then removed. This is generally done in one of two ways: (1) either by using methods that can distinguish between single stranded and double stranded nucleic acids, for example by using intercalators on a support that preferentially bind double stranded nucleic acids; or (2) through the use of target specific sequences; for example, when the target sequences are mRNA transcripts with poly(A) tails, the use of poly(T) sequences on a support can preferentially retain all the hybrids. Once the unhybridized target probes are removed, the hybrids are denatured. All the target probes can then be simultaneously amplified using universal primers that will hybridize to the upstream and downstream universal priming sequences. The resulting amplicons, which can be directly or indirectly labeled, can then be detected on arrays, particularly microsphere arrays. This allows the detection and quantification of the target sequences, although in this embodiment, mRNA may not be preferred.

[0021] As will be appreciated by those in the art, the system can take on a wide variety of conformations, depending on the assay. For example, when genotyping information is desired at a particular detection position in the target, a variation of the above technique that utilizes the oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) can be done. OLA relies on the fact that two adjacently hybridized probes will be ligated together by a ligase only if there is perfect complementarity at each of the termini, i.e. at a detection position. In this embodiment, there are two ligation probes: a first or upstream ligation probe that comprises the upstream universal priming sequence and a second portion that will hybridize to a first domain of the target sequence, and a second or downstream ligation probe that comprises a portion that will hybridize to a second domain of the target sequence, adjacent to the first domain, and a second portion comprising the downstream universal priming sequence. If perfect complementarity at the junction exists, the ligation occurs and then the resulting hybridization complex (comprising the target and the ligated probe) can be separated as above from unreacted probes. Again, the, universal priming sites are used to amplify the ligated probe to form a plurality of amplicons that are then detected in a variety of ways, as outlined herein. Alternatively, a variation on this theme utilizes rolling circle amplification (RCA), which requires a single probe whose ends are ligated, followed by amplification.

[0022] In addition, any of the above embodiments can utilize one or more “adapter sequences” (sometimes referred to in the art as “zip codes”) to allow the use of “universal arrays”. That is, arrays are generated that contain capture probes that are not target specific, but rather specific to individual artificial adapter sequences. The adapter sequences are added to the target probes (in the case of ligation probes, either probe may contain the adapter sequence), nested between the priming sequences, and thus are included in the amplicons. The adapters are then hybridized to the capture probes on the array, and detection proceeds.

[0023] The present invention provides several significant advantages. The method can be used to detect genomic DNA or other targets from a single cell or a few cells because of signal amplification of annealed probes. It also allows the direct hybridization of the probes to genomic targets, if desired. Additionally, the hybridization reaction occurs in solution rather than on a surface, so that nucleic acids hybridize more predictably and with favorable kinetics according to their thermodynamic properties. Finally, the use of universal primers avoids biased signal amplification in PCR.

[0024] Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting and genotyping specific target nucleic acid sequences in a sample. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the sample solution may comprise any number of things, including, but not limited to, bodily fluids (including, but not limited to, blood, urine, serum, lymph, saliva, anal and vaginal secretions, perspiration and semen, of virtually any organism, with mammalian samples being preferred and human samples being particularly preferred). The sample may comprise individual cells, including primary cells (including bacteria), and cell lines, including, but not limited to, tumor cells of all types (particularly melanoma, myeloid leukemia, carcinomas of the lung, breast, ovaries, colon, kidney, prostate, pancreas and testes), cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, lymphocytes (T-cell and B cell), mast cells, eosinophils, vascular intimal cells, hepatocytes, leukocytes including mononuclear leukocytes, stem cells such as haemopoetic, neural, skin, lung, kidney, liver and myocyte stem cells, osteoclasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells, keratinocytes, melanocytes, liver cells, kidney cells, and adipocytes. Suitable cells also include known research cells, including, but not limited to, Jurkat T cells, NIH3T3 cells, CHO, Cos, 923, HeLa, WI-38, Weri-1, MG-63, etc. See the ATCC cell line catalog, hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

[0025] In addition, preferred methods utilize cutting or shearing techniques to cut the nucleic acid sample containing the target sequence into a size that will facilitate handling and hybridization to the target, particularly for genomic DNA samples. This may be accomplished by shearing the nucleic acid through mechanical forces (e.g. sonication) or by cleaving the nucleic acid using restriction endonucleases.

[0026] The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid sequences in a sample. By “nucleic acid” or “oligonucleotide” or grammatical equivalents herein means at least two nucleotides covalently linked together. A nucleic acid of the present invention will generally contain phosphodiester bonds, although in some cases, as outlined below, particularly for use with probes, nucleic acid analogs are included that may have alternate backbones, comprising, for example, phosphoramide (Beaucage et al., Tetrahedron 49(10):1925 (1993) and references therein; Letsinger, J. Org. Chem. 35:3800 (1970); Sprinzl et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 81:579 (1977); Letsinger et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 14:3487 (1986); Sawai et al, Chem. Lett. 805 (1984), Letsinger et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110:4470 (1988); and Pauwels et al., Chemica Scripta 26:141 91986)), phosphorothioate (Mag et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 19:1437 (1991); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,048), phosphorodithioate (Briu et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 111:2321 (1989), O-methylphophoroamidite linkages (see Eckstein, Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical Approach, Oxford University Press), and peptide nucleic acid backbones and linkages (see Egholm, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114:1895 (1992); Meier et al., Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 31:1008 (1992); Nielsen, Nature, 365:566 (1993); Carlsson et al., Nature 380:207 (1996), all of which are incorporated by reference). Other analog nucleic acids include those with positive backbones (Denpcy et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:6097 (1995); non-ionic backbones (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,386,023, 5,637,684, 5,602,240, 5,216,141 and 4,469,863; Kiedrowshi et al., Angew. Chem. Intl. Ed. English 30:423 (1991); Letsinger et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110:4470 (1988); Letsinger et al., Nucleoside & Nucleotide 13:1597 (1994); Chapters 2 and 3, ASC Symposium Series 580, “Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research”, Ed. Y. S. Sanghui and P. Dan Cook; Mesmaeker et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chem. Lett. 4:395 (1994); Jeffs et al., J. Biomolecular NMR 34:17 (1994); Tetrahedron Lett. 37:743 (1996)) and non-ribose backbones, including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,235,033 and 5,034,506, and Chapters 6 and 7, ASC Symposium Series 580, “Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research”, Ed. Y. S. Sanghui and P. Dan Cook. Nucleic acids containing one or more carbocyclic sugars are also included within the definition of nucleic acids (see Jenkins et al., Chem. Soc. Rev. (1995) pp169-176). Several nucleic acid analogs are described in Rawls, C & E News Jun. 2, 1997 page 35. All of these references are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. These modifications of the ribose-phosphate backbone may be done to facilitate the addition of labels, or to increase the stability and half-life of such molecules in physiological environments.

[0027] As will be appreciated by those in the art, all of these nucleic acid analogs may find use in the present invention. In addition, mixtures of naturally occurring nucleic acids and analogs can be made. Alternatively, mixtures of different nucleic acid analogs, and mixtures of naturally occurring nucleic acids and analogs may be made.

[0028] Particularly preferred are peptide nucleic acids (PNA) which includes peptide nucleic acid analogs. These backbones are substantially non-ionic under neutral conditions, in contrast to the highly charged phosphodiester backbone of naturally occurring nucleic acids. This results in two advantages. First, the PNA backbone exhibits improved hybridization kinetics. PNAs have larger changes in the melting temperature (Tm) for mismatched versus perfectly matched basepairs. DNA and RNA typically exhibit a 2-4 C drop in Tm for an internal mismatch. With the non-ionic PNA backbone, the drop is closer to 7-9 C. This allows for better detection of mismatches. Similarly, due to their non-ionic nature, hybridization of the bases attached to these backbones is relatively insensitive to salt concentration.

[0029] The nucleic acids may be single stranded or double stranded, as specified, or contain portions of both double stranded or single stranded sequence. Thus, for example, when the target sequence is a polyadenylated mRNA, the hybridization complex comprising the target probe has a double stranded portion, where the target probe is hybridized, and one or more single stranded portions, including the poly(A) portion. The nucleic acid may be DNA, both genomic and cDNA, RNA or a hybrid, where the nucleic acid contains any combination of deoxyribo- and ribo-nucleotides, and any combination of bases, including uracil, adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, inosine, xathanine hypoxathanine, isocytosine, isoguanine, etc. A preferred embodiment utilizes isocytosine and isoguanine in nucleic acids designed to be complementary to other probes, rather than target sequences, as this reduces non-specific hybridization, as is generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,702. As used herein, the term “nucleoside” includes nucleotides as well as nucleoside and nucleotide analogs, and modified nucleosides such as amino modified nucleosides. In addition, “nucleoside” includes non-naturally occuring analog structures. Thus for example the individual units of a peptide nucleic acid, each containing a base, are referred to herein as a nucleoside.

[0030] The compositions and methods of the invention are directed to the detection of target sequences. The term “target sequence” or “target nucleic acid” or grammatical equivalents herein means a nucleic acid sequence on a single strand of nucleic acid. The target sequence may be a portion of a gene, a regulatory sequence, genomic DNA, cDNA, RNA including mRNA and rRNA, or others, with polyadenylated mRNA being particular preferred in some embodiments. As is outlined herein, the target sequence may be a target sequence from a sample, or a secondary target such as an amplicon, which is the product of an amplification reaction such as PCR or RCA. Thus, for example, a target sequence from a sample is amplified to produce an amplicon that is detected. The target sequence may be any length, with the understanding that longer sequences are more specific. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the complementary target sequence may take many forms. For example, it may be contained within a larger nucleic acid sequence, i.e. all or part of a gene or mRNA, a restriction fragment of a plasmid or genomic DNA, among others. Particularly preferred target sequences in the present invention include genomic DNA, polyadenylated mRNA, and alternatively spliced RNAs. As is outlined more fully below, probes are made to hybridize to target sequences to determine the presence, absence, quantity or sequence of a target sequence in a sample. Generally speaking, this term will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0031] The target sequence may also be comprised of different target domains, that may be adjacent (i.e. contiguous) or separated. For example, in the OLA techniques outlined below, a first ligation probe may hybridize to a first target domain and a second ligation probe may hybridize to a second target domain; either the domains are directly adjacent, or they may be separated by one or more nucleotides (e.g. indirectly adjacent), coupled with the use of a polymerase and dNTPs, as is more fully outlined below. The terms “first” and “second” are not meant to confer an orientation of the sequences with respect to the 5′-3′ orientation of the target sequence. For example, assuming a 5′-3′ orientation of the complementary target sequence, the first target domain may be located either 5′ to the second domain, or 3′ to the second domain. In addition, as will be appreciated by those in the art, the probes on the surface of the array (e.g. attached to the microspheres) may be attached in either orientation, either such that they have a free 3′ end or a free 5′ end; in some embodiments, the probes can be attached at one ore more internal positions, or at both ends.

[0032] If required, the target sequence is prepared using known techniques. For example, the sample may be treated to lyse the cells, using known lysis buffers, sonication, electroporation, etc., with purification and amplification as outlined below occurring as needed, as will be appreciated by those in the art. In addition, the reactions outlined herein may be accomplished in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those in the art. Components of the reaction may be added simultaneously, or sequentially, in any order, with preferred embodiments outlined below. In addition, the reaction may include a variety of other reagents which may be included in the assays. These include reagents like salts, buffers, neutral proteins, e.g. albumin, detergents, etc., which may be used to facilitate optimal hybridization and detection, and/or reduce non-specific or background interactions. Also reagents that otherwise improve the efficiency of the assay, such as protease inhibitors, nuclease inhibitors, anti-microbial agents, etc., may be used, depending on the sample preparation methods and purity of the target.

[0033] It should be noted that in some cases, two poly(T) steps are used. In one embodiment, a poly(T) support is used to remove unreacted target probes from the sample. However, a poly(T) support may be used to purify or concentrate poly(A) mRNA from a sample prior to running the assay. For example, total RNA may be isolated from a cell population, and then the poly(A) mRNA isolated from the total RNA and fed into the assay systems described below.

[0034] In addition, in most embodiments, double stranded target nucleic acids are denatured to render them single stranded so as to permit hybridization of the primers and other probes of the invention. A preferred embodiment utilizes a thermal step, generally by raising the temperature of the reaction to about 95 C, although pH changes and other techniques may also be used.

[0035] As outlined herein, the invention provides a number of different primers and probes. Probes and primers of the present invention are designed to have at least a portion be complementary to a target sequence (either the target sequence of the sample or to other probe sequences, such as portions of amplicons, as is described below), such that hybridization of the target sequence and the probes of the present invention occurs. As outlined below, this complementarity need not be perfect; there may be any number of base pair mismatches which will interfere with hybridization between the target sequence and the single stranded nucleic acids of the present invention. However, if the number of mutations is so great that no hybridization can occur under even the least stringent of hybridization conditions, the sequence is not a complementary target sequence. Thus, by “substantially complementary” herein is meant that the probes are sufficiently complementary to the target sequences to hybridize under normal reaction conditions, and preferably give the required specificity.

[0036] A variety of hybridization conditions may be used in the present invention, including high, moderate and low stringency conditions; see for example Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d Edition, 1989, and Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, ed. Ausubel, et al, hereby incorporated by reference. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. An extensive guide to the hybridization of nucleic acids is found in Tijssen, Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—Hybridization with Nucleic Acid Probes, “Overview of principles of hybridization and the strategy of nucleic acid assays” (1993). Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5-10 C lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH and nucleic acid concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium (as the target sequences are present in excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium). Stringent conditions will be those in which the salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, typically about 0.01 to 1.0 M sodium ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about 30 C for short probes (e.g. 10 to 50 nucleotides) and at least about 60 C for long probes (e.g. greater than 50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of helix destabilizing agents such as formamide. The hybridization conditions may also vary when a non-ionic backbone, i.e. PNA is used, as is known in the art. In addition, cross-linking agents may be added after target binding to cross-link, i.e. covalently attach, the two strands of the hybridization complex.

[0037] Thus, the assays are generally run under stringency conditions which allows formation of the first hybridization complex only in the presence of target. Stringency can be controlled by altering a step parameter that is a thermodynamic variable, including, but not limited to, temperature, formamide concentration, salt concentration, chaotropic salt concentration, pH, organic solvent concentration, etc.

[0038] These parameters may also be used to control non-specific binding, as is generally outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,697. Thus it may be desirable to perform certain steps at higher stringency conditions to reduce non-specific binding.

[0039] The size of the primer and probe nucleic acid may vary, as will be appreciated by those in the art with each portion of the probe and the total length of the probe in general varying from 5 to 500 nucleotides in length. Each portion is preferably between 10 and 100 being preferred, between 15 and 50 being particularly preferred, and from 10 to 35 being especially preferred, depending on the use and amplification technique. Thus, for example, the universal priming sites of the probes are each preferably about 15-20 nucleotides in length, with 18 being especially preferred. The adapter sequences of the probes are preferably from 15-25 nucleotides in length, with 20 being especially preferred. The target specific portion of the probe is preferably from 15-50 nucleotides in length.

[0040] Accordingly, the present invention provides first target probe sets. By “probe set” herein is meant a plurality of target probes that are used in a particular multiplexed assay. In this context, plurality means at least two, with more than 10 being preferred, depending on the assay, sample and purpose of the test.

[0041] Accordingly, the present invention provides first target probe sets that comprise universal priming sites. By “universal priming site” herein is meant a sequence of the probe that will bind a PCR primer for amplification. Each probe preferably comprises an upstream universal priming site (UUP) and a downstream universal priming site (DUP). Again, “upstream” and “downstream” are not meant to convey a particular 5′-3′ orientation, and will depend on the orientation of the system. Preferably, only a single UUP sequence and a single DUP sequence is used in a probe set, although as will be appreciated by those in the art, different assays or different multiplexing analysis may utilize a plurality of universal priming sequences. In addition, the universal priming sites are preferably located at the 5′ and 3′ termini of the target probe (or the ligated probe), as only sequences flanked by priming sequences will be amplified. In some embodiments, for example, in the case of rolling circle embodiments, there may be a single universal priming site.

[0042] In addition, universal priming sequences are generally chosen to be as unique as possible given the particular assays and host genomes to ensure specificity of the assay. In general, universal priming sequences range in size from about 5 to about 25 basepairs, with from about 10 to about 20 being particularly preferred.

[0043] As will be appreciated by those in the art, the orientation of the two priming sites is different. That is, one PCR primer will directly hybridize to the first priming site, while the other PCR primer will hybridize to the complement of the second priming site. Stated differently, the first priming site is in sense orientation, and the second priming site is in antisense orientation.

[0044] In addition to the universal priming sites, the target probes comprise at least a first target-specific sequence, that is substantially complementary to the target sequence. As outlined below, ligation probes each comprise a target-specific sequence. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the target-specific sequence comprises a portion that will hybridize to all or part of the target sequence and includes one or more particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

[0045] The invention is directed to target sequences that comprise one or more positions for which sequence information is desired, generally referred to herein as the “detection position” or “detection locus”. In a preferred embodiment, the detection position is a single nucleotide (sometimes referred to as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)), although in some embodiments, it may comprise a plurality of nucleotides, either contiguous with each other or separated by one or more nucleotides. By “plurality” as used herein is meant at least two. As used herein, the base of a probe (e.g. the target probe) which basepairs with a detection position base in a hybrid is termed a “readout position” or an “interrogation position”. Thus, the target sequence comprises a detection position and the target probe comprises a readout position. In general, this embodiment utilizes the OLA or RCA assay, as described below.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the use of competitive hybridization target probes is done to elucidate either the identity of the nucleotide(s) at the detection position or the presence of a mismatch.

[0047] It should be noted in this context that “mismatch” is a relative term and meant to indicate a difference in the identity of a base at a particular position, termed the “detection position” herein, between two sequences. In general, sequences that differ from wild type sequences are referred to as mismatches. However, particularly in the case of SNPs, what constitutes “wild type” may be difficult to determine as multiple alleles can be relatively frequently observed in the population, and thus “mismatch” in this context requires the artificial adoption of one sequence as a standard. Thus, for the purposes of this invention, sequences are referred to herein as “match” and “mismatch”. Thus, the present invention may be used to detect substitutions, insertions or deletions as compared to a wild-type sequence. That is, all other parameters being equal, a perfectly complementary readout target probe (a “match probe”) will in general be more stable and have a slower off rate than a target probe comprising a mismatch (a “mismatch probe”) at any particular temperature.

[0048] Accordingly, this embodiment can be run in one of two (or more) modes. In a preferred embodiment, only a single probe is used, comprising (as outlined herein), a UUP, an adapter sequence, a target-specific sequence comprising a first base at the readout position, and a DUP. This probe is contacted with the target sequence under conditions (whether thermal or otherwise) such that a hybridization complex is formed only when a perfect match between the detection position of the target and the readout position of the probe is present. The non-hybridized probes are then removed as outlined herein, and the hybridization complex is denatured. The probe is then amplified as outlined herein, and detected on an array.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of target probes (sometimes referred to herein as “readout target probes”) are used to identify the base at the detection position. In this embodiment, each different readout probe comprises a different base at the position that will hybridize to the detection position of the target sequence (herein referred to as the readout or interrogation position) and a different adapter sequence for each different readout position. In this way, differential hybridization of the readout target probes, depending on the sequence of the target, results in identification of the base at the detection position. In this embodiment, the readout probes are contacted with the array again under conditions that allow discrimination between match and mismatch, and the unhybridized probes are removed, etc.

[0050] Accordingly, by using different readout target probes, each with a different base at the readout position and each with a different adapter, the identification of the base at the detection position is elucidated. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a set of readout probes are used, each comprising a different base at the readout position.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, each readout target probe has a different adapter sequence. That is, readout target probes comprising adenine at the readout position will have a first adapter, probes with guanine at the readout position will have a second adapter, etc., such that each target probe that hybridizes to the target sequence will bind to a different address on the array. This can allow the use of the same label for each reaction.

[0052] The number of readout target probes used will vary depending on the end use of the assay. For example, many SNPs are biallelic, and thus two readout target probes, each comprising an interrogation base that will basepair with one of the detection position bases. For sequencing, for example, for the discovery of SNPs, a set of four readout probes are used.

[0053] In this embodiment, sensitivity to variations in stringency parameters are used to determine either the identity of the nucleotide(s) at the detection position or the presence of a mismatch. As a preliminary matter, the use of different stringency conditions such as variations in temperature and buffer composition to determine the presence or absence of mismatches in double stranded hybrids comprising a single stranded target sequence and a probe is well known.

[0054] With particular regard to temperature, as is known in the art, differences in the number of hydrogen bonds as a function of basepairing between perfect matches and mismatches can be exploited as a result of their different Tms (the temperature at which 50% of the hybrid is denatured). Accordingly, a hybrid comprising perfect complementarity will melt at a higher temperature than one comprising at least one mismatch, all other parameters being equal. (It should be noted that for the purposes of the discussion herein, all other parameters (i.e. length of the hybrid, nature of the backbone (i.e. naturally occuring or nucleic acid analog), the assay solution composition and the composition of the bases, including G-C content are kept constant). However, as will be appreciated by those in the art, these factors may be varied as well, and then taken into account.)

[0055] In general, as outlined herein, high stringency conditions are those that result in perfect matches remaining in hybridization complexes, while imperfect matches melt off. Similarly, low stringency conditions are those that allow the formation of hybridization complexes with both perfect and imperfect matches. High stringency conditions are known in the art; see for example Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d Edition, 1989, and Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, ed. Ausubel, et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. An extensive guide to the hybridization of nucleic acids is found in Tijssen, Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—Hybridization with Nucleic Acid Probes, “Overview of principles of hybridization and the strategy of nucleic acid assays” (1993). Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5-10 C lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH and nucleic acid concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium (as the target sequences are present in excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium). Stringent conditions will be those in which the salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, typically about 0.01 to 1.0 M sodium ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about 30 C for short probes (e.g. 10 to 50 nucleotides) and at least about 60 C for long probes (e.g. greater than 50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide. In another embodiment, less stringent hybridization conditions are used; for example, moderate or low stringency conditions may be used, as are known in the art; see Maniatis and Ausubel, supra, and Tijssen, supra.

[0056] As will be appreciated by those in the art, mismatch detection using temperature may proceed in a variety of ways;

[0057] Similarly, variations in buffer composition may be used to elucidate the presence or absence of a mismatch at the detection position. Suitable conditions include, but are not limited to, formamide concentration. Thus, for example, “low” or “permissive” stringency conditions include formamide concentrations of 0 to 10%, while “high” or “stringent” conditions utilize formamide concentrations of ≧40%. Low stringency conditions include NaCl concentrations of ≧1 M, and high stringency conditions include concentrations of ≦0.3 M. Furthermore, low stringency conditions include MgCl2 concentrations of ≧10 mM, moderate stringency as 1-10 mM, and high stringency conditions include concentrations of ≦1 mM.

[0058] In this embodiment, as for temperature, a plurality of readout probes may be used, with different bases in the readout position and different adapters. Running the assays under the permissive conditions and repeating under stringent conditions will allow the elucidation of the base at the detection position.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, two target probes are used to allow the use of OLA (or RCA) assay systems and specificity. This finds particular use in genotyping reactions, for the identification of nucleotides at a detection position as outlined herein.

[0060] The basic OLA method can be run at least two different ways; in a first embodiment, only one strand of a target sequence is used as a template for ligation; alternatively, both strands may be used; the latter is generally referred to as Ligation Chain Reaction or LCR. See generally U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,185,243 and 5,573,907; EP 0 320 308 B1; EP 0 336 731 B1; EP 0 439 182 B1; WO 90/01069; WO 89/12696; and WO 89/09835, all of which are incorporated by reference. The discussion below focuses on OLA, but as those in the art will appreciate, this can easily be applied to LCR as well.

[0061] In this embodiment, the target probes comprise at least a first ligation probe and a second ligation probe. The method is based on the fact that two probes can be preferentially ligated together, if they are hybridized to a target strand and if perfect complementarity exists between the two interrogation bases being ligated together and the corresponding detection positions on the target strand. Thus, in this embodiment, the target sequence comprises a contiguous first target domain comprising the detection position and a second target domain adjacent to the detection position. That is, the detection position is “between” the rest of the first target domain and the second target domain. Again, the orientation of the probes is not determinative; the detection position may be at the “end” of the first ligation probe or at the “beginning” of the second.

[0062] A first ligation probe is hybridized to the first target domain and a second ligation probe is hybridized to the second target domain. If the first ligation probe has a base perfectly complementary to the detection position base, and the adjacent base on the second probe has perfect complementarity to its position, a ligation structure is formed such that the two probes can be ligated together to form a ligated probe. If this complementarity does not exist, no ligation structure is formed and the probes are not ligated together to an appreciable degree. This may be done using heat cycling, to allow the ligated probe to be denatured off the target sequence such that it may serve as a template for further reactions. In addition, as is more fully outlined below, this method may also be done using three ligation probes or ligation probes that are separated by one or more nucleotides, if dNTPs and a polymerase are added (this is sometimes referred to as “Genetic Bit” analysis).

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, LCR is done for two strands of a double-stranded target sequence. The target sequence is denatured, and two sets of probes are added: one set as outlined above for one strand of the target, and a separate set (i.e. third and fourth ligation target probe nucleic acids) for the other strand of the target. In this embodiment, a preferred method utilizes each set of probes with a different adapter; this may have particular use to serve as an additional specificity control; that is, only if both strands are seen is a “positive” called.

[0064] Again, as outlined herein, the target-specific sequence of the ligation probes can be designed to be substantially complementary to a variety of targets.

[0065] In general, each target specific sequence of a ligation probe is at least about 5 nucleotides long, with sequences of at from about 8 to 15 being preferred and 10 being especially preferred.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, three or more ligation probes are used. This general idea is depicted in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, there is an intervening ligation probe, specific to a third domain of the target sequence, that is used. Again, this may be done to detect SNPs, if desired.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the two ligation target probes are not directly adjacent. In this embodiment, they may be separated by one or more bases. The addition of dNTPs and a polymerase, as outlined below for the amplification reactions, followed by the ligation reaction, allows the formation of the ligated probe.

[0068] In addition to the universal priming sites and the target specific sequence(s), the target probes of the invention further comprise one or more adapter sequences. An “adapter sequence” is a sequence, generally exogeneous to the target sequences, e.g. artificial, that is designed to be substantially complementary (and preferably perfectly complementary) to a capture probe on the array. The use of adapter sequences allow the creation of more “universal” surfaces; that is, one standard array, comprising a finite set of capture probes can be made and used in any application. The end-user can customize the array by designing different soluble target probes, which, as will be appreciated by those in the art, is generally simpler and less costly. In a preferred embodiment, an array of different and usually artificial capture probes are made; that is, the capture probes do not have complementarity to known target sequences. The adapter sequences can then be incorporated in the target probes.

[0069] As will be appreciated by those in the art, the length of the adapter sequences will vary, depending on the desired “strength” of binding and the number of different adapters desired. In a preferred embodiment, adapter sequences range from about 6 to about 500 basepairs in length, with from about 8 to about 100 being preferred, and from about 10 to about 25 being particularly preferred.

[0070] As will be appreciated by those in the art, the placement and orientation of the adapter sequences can vary widely, depending on the configuration of the assay and the assay itself. For example, in most of the OLA embodiments depicted herein, the adapter sequences are shown on the “upstream” ligation probe; however, the downstream probe can also be used; what is important is that at least one of the ligation probes comprise an adapter sequence. Basically, as will be appreciated by those in the art, the different components of the target probes can be placed in any order, just as long as the universal priming sites remain on the outermost ends of the probe, to allow all sequences between them to be amplified. In general the adapter sequences will have similar hybridization characteristics, e.g. similar melting temperatures, similar (G+C) content.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, two adapter sequences per ligated target probe are used. That is, as is generally depicted in FIG. 6, each ligation probe can comprise a different adapter sequence. The ligated probe will then hybridize to two different addresses on the array; this provides a level of quality control and specificity. In addition, it is also possible to use two adapter sequences for single target probes, if desired.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the target probe may also comprise a label sequence, i.e. a sequence that can be used to bind label probes and is substantially complementary to a label probe. This is sometimes referred to in the art as “sandwich-type” assays. That is, by incorporating a label sequence into the target probe, which is then amplified and present in the amplicons, a label probe comprising primary (or secondary) labels can be added to the mixture, either before addition to the array or after. This allows the use of high concentrations of label probes for efficient hybridization. In one embodiment, it is possible to use the same label sequence and label probe for all target probes on an array; alternatively, different target probes can have a different label sequence. Similarly, the use of different label sequences can facilitate quality control; for example, one label sequence (and one color) can be used for one strand of the target, and a different label sequence (with a different color) for the other; only if both colors are present at the same basic level is a positive called.

[0073] Thus, the present invention provides target probes that comprise universal priming sequences, target specific sequence(s), adapter sequences and optionally label sequences. These target probes are then added to the target sequences to form hybridization complexes. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the hybridization complexes contain portions that are double stranded (the target-specific sequences of the target probes hybridized to a portion of the target sequence) and portions that are single stranded (the ends of the target probes comprising the universal priming sequences and the adapter sequences, and any unhybridized portion of the target sequence, such as poly(A) tails, as outlined herein).

[0074] Once the hybridization complexes are formed, unhybridized probes are removed. This is important as all target probes may form some unpredictable structures that will complicate the amplification using the universal priming sequences. Thus to ensure specificity (e.g. that target probes directed to target sequences that are not present in the sample are not amplified and detected), it is important to remove all the nonhybridized probes. As will be appreciated by those in the art, this may be done in a variety of ways, including methods based on the target sequence, methods utilizing double stranded specific moieties, and methods based on probe design and content.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, target specific methods are utilized. That is, any property common to all the targets in a sample can be utilized. For example, when the target sequences comprise poly(A) tails, such as mRNAs, separation of unhybridized target probes is done utilizing supports comprising poly(T) sequences. Poly(A) tails may also be added to targets by polymerization with terminal transferase, or via ligation of an oligoA linker, as is known in the art.

[0076] Thus, for example, supports (as defined below), particularly magnetic beads, comprising poly(T) sequences are added to the mixture comprising the target sequences and the target probes. In this embodiment, the first hybridization complexes comprise a single-stranded portion comprising a poly(A) sequence, generally ranging from 10 to 100 s adenosines. The first hybridization complexes form a second hybridization complex, as outlined in FIG. 7. The poly(T) support is then used to separate the unhybridized target probes from the hybridization complexes. For example, when magnetic beads are used, they may be removed from the mixture and washed; non-magnetic beads may be removed via centrifugation and washed, etc. The hybridization complexes are then released (and denatured) from the beads using a denaturation step such as a thermal step.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, methods relying on the addition of binding ligands to the target sequences are done. In this embodiment, enzymes are used to add binding partners that can be used to separate out the hybridization complexes from the unhybridized probes. For example, using terminal transferase enzymes, dNTPs that include a binding ligand such as biotin (or others outlined herein for secondary labels) are added to a terminus of the target sequence(s). The binding partner of the binding ligand can then be ultimately used to separate or remove the unhybridized probes.

[0078] As will be appreciated by those in the art, this can be accomplished in a variety of ways. In a preferred embodiment, the binding ligand is added to the target sequence prior to the formation of the hybridization complex. Alternatively, it can be added afterwards, although in this embodiment the binding ligand must not be attached to unhybridized probes; this can be accomplished by using probes that are blocked at their terminus (or terminii, in the case where two ligation probes are used), for example by using capped ends.

[0079] A preferred embodiment utilizes terminal transferase and dideoxynucleotides labeled with biotin, although as will be appreciated by those in the art, the binding ligand need not be attached to a chain-terminating nucleotide.

[0080] Once added, the target sequence may be immobilized either before or after the formation of the hybridization complex. In a preferred embodiment, the target sequence is immobilized on a surface or support comprising the binding partner of the binding ligand prior to the formation of the hybridization complex with the probe(s) of the invention. For example, a preferred embodiment utilizes binding partner coated reaction vessels such as eppendorf tubes or microtiter wells. Alternatively, the support may be in the form of beads, including magnetic beads. In this embodiment, the target sequences are immobilized, the target probes are added to form hybridization complexes. Unhybridized probes are then removed through washing steps, and the bound probes (e.g. either target probes, ligated probes, or ligated RCA probes) are then eluted off the support, usually through the use of elevated temperature or buffer conditions (pH, salt, etc.).

[0081] Alternatively, the target sequence may be immobilized after the formation of the hybridization complexes, ligation complexes and/or ligated complexes. That is, the probes can be added to the targets in solution, enzymes added as needed, etc. After the hybridization complexes are formed and/or ligated, the hybridization complexes can be added to supports comprising the binding partners and the unhybridized probes removed.

[0082] In this embodiment, particularly preferred binding ligand/binding partner pairs are biotin and streptavidin or avidin, antigens and antibodies; other chemical ways are described herein.

[0083] Alternatively, if the target does not contain a common property or sequence such as a poly(A) portion, or a binding ligand has not been added, separation methods based on the differences between single-stranded and double-stranded nucleic acids may be done. For example, there are a variety of double-stranded specific moieties known, that preferentially interact with double-stranded nucleic acids over single stranded nucleic acids. For example, there are a wide variety of intercalators known, that insert into the stacked basepairs of double stranded nucleic acid. Two of the best known examples are ethidium bromide and actinomycin D. Similarly, there are a number of major groove and minor groove binding proteins which can be used to distinguish between single stranded and double stranded nucleic acids. Similar to the poly(T) embodiment, these moieties can be attached to a support such as magnetic beads and used to preferentially bind the hybridization complexes, to remove the non-hybridized target probes and target sequences during washing steps. The hybridization complexes are then released from the beads using a denaturation step such as a thermal step.

[0084] In the case where the OLA reaction is done, an additional embodiment, depicted in FIG. 8, may be done to remove unhybridized primers. In this embodiment, a nuclease inhibitor is added to the 3′ end of the downstream ligation probe, which does not comprise the adapter sequence. Thus, any nucleic acids that do not contain the inhibitors (including both the 5′ unligated probe and the target sequences themselves) will be digested upon addition of a 3′-exonuclease. The ligation products are protected from exo I digestion by including, for example, 4-phosphorothioate residues at their 3′ terminus, thereby, rendering them resistant to exonuclease digestion. The unligated detection oligonucleotides are not protected and are digested. Since the 5′ upstream ligation probe carries the adapter sequence, the unligated downstream probe, which does carry the nuclease inhibitor and is thus also not digested, does not bind to the array and can be washed away.

[0085] Suitable nuclease inhibitors are known in the art and comprise thiol nucleotides. In this embodiment, suitable 3′-exonucleases include, but are not limited to, exo I, exo III, exo VII, and 3′-5′ exophosphodiesterases.

[0086] Once the non-hybridized probes (and additionally, if preferred, other sequences from the sample that are not of interest) are removed, the hybridization complexes are denatured and the target probes are amplified to form amplicons, which are then detected. This can be done in one of several ways, including PCR amplification and rolling circle amplification. In addition, as outlined below, labels can be incorporated into the amplicons in a variety of ways.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the target amplification technique is PCR. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used and described, and involves the use of primer extension combined with thermal cycling to amplify a target sequence; see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202, and PCR Essential Data, J. W. Wiley & sons, Ed. C.R. Newton, 1995, all of which are incorporated by reference.

[0088] In general, PCR may be briefly described as follows. The double stranded hybridization complex is denatured, generally by raising the temperature, and then cooled in the presence of an excess of a PCR primer, which then hybridizes to the first universal priming site. A DNA polymerase then acts to extend the primer with dNTPs, resulting in the synthesis of a new strand forming a hybridization complex. The sample is then heated again, to disassociate the hybridization complex, and the process is repeated. By using a second PCR primer for the complementary target strand that hybridizes to the second universal priming site, rapid and exponential amplification occurs. Thus PCR steps are denaturation, annealing and extension. The particulars of PCR are well known, and include the use of a thermostable polymerase such as Taq I polymerase and thermal cycling. Suitable DNA polymerases include, but are not limited to, the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I, SEQUENASE 1.0 and SEQUENASE 2.0 (U.S. Biochemical), T5 DNA polymerase and Phi29 DNA polymerase.

[0089] Generally the substrate is flat (planar), although as will be appreciated by those in the art, other configurations of substrates may be used as well; for example, three dimensional configurations can be used, for example by embedding the beads in a porous block of plastic that allows sample access to the beads and using a confocal microscope for detection. Similarly, the beads may be placed on the inside surface of a tube, for flow-through sample analysis to minimize sample volume. Preferred substrates include optical fiber bundles as discussed below, and flat planar substrates such as paper, glass, polystyrene and other plastics and acrylics.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is an optical fiber bundle or array, as is generally described in U.S. Ser. Nos. 08/944,850 and 08/519,062, PCT US98/05025, and PCT US98/09163, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Preferred embodiments utilize preformed unitary fiber optic arrays. By “preformed unitary fiber optic array” herein is meant an array of discrete individual fiber optic strands that are co-axially disposed and joined along their lengths. The fiber strands are generally individually clad. However, one thing that distinguished a preformed unitary array from other fiber optic formats is that the fibers are not individually physically manipulatable; that is, one strand generally cannot be physically separated at any point along its length from another fiber strand.

[0091] Generally, the array of array compositions of the invention can be configured in several ways; see for example U.S. Ser. No. 09/473,904, hereby expressly incorporated by reference. In a preferred embodiment, as is more fully outlined below, a “one component” system is used. That is, a first substrate comprising a plurality of assay locations (sometimes also referred to herein as “assay wells”), such as a microtiter plate, is configured such that each assay location contains an individual array. That is, the assay location and the array location are the same. For example, the plastic material of the microtiter plate can be formed to contain a plurality of “bead wells” in the bottom of each of the assay wells. Beads containing the capture probes of the invention can then be loaded into the bead wells in each assay location as is more fully described below.

[0092] Alternatively, a “two component” system can be used. In this embodiment, the individual arrays are formed on a second substrate, which then can be fitted or “dipped” into the first microtiter plate substrate. A preferred embodiment utilizes fiber optic bundles as the individual arrays, generally with “bead wells” etched into one surface of each individual fiber, such that the beads containing the capture probes are loaded onto the end of the fiber optic bundle. The composite array thus comprises a number of individual arrays that are configured to fit within the wells of a microtiter plate.

[0093] By “composite array” or “combination array” or grammatical equivalents herein is meant a plurality of individual arrays, as outlined above. Generally the number of individual arrays is set by the size of the microtiter plate used; thus, 96 well, 384 well and 1536 well microtiter plates utilize composite arrays comprising 96, 384 and 1536 individual arrays, although as will be appreciated by those in the art, not each microtiter well need contain an individual array. It should be noted that the composite arrays can comprise individual arrays that are identical, similar or different. That is, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to do the same 2,000 assays on 96 different samples; alternatively, doing 192,000 experiments on the same sample (i.e. the same sample in each of the 96 wells) may be desirable. Alternatively, each row or column of the composite array could be the same, for redundancy/quality control. As will be appreciated by those in the art, there are a variety of ways to configure the system. In addition, the random nature of the arrays may mean that the same population of beads may be added to two different surfaces, resulting in substantially similar but perhaps not identical arrays.

[0094] At least one surface of the substrate is modified to contain discrete, individual sites for later association of microspheres. These sites may comprise physically altered sites, i.e. physical configurations such as wells or small depressions in the substrate that can retain the beads, such that a microsphere can rest in the well, or the use of other forces (magnetic or compressive), or chemically altered or active sites, such as chemically functionalized sites, electrostatically altered sites, hydrophobically/hydrophilically functionalized sites, spots of adhesive, etc.

[0095] The sites may be a pattern, i.e. a regular design or configuration, or randomly distributed. A preferred embodiment utilizes a regular pattern of sites such that the sites may be addressed in the X-Y coordinate plane. “Pattern” in this sense includes a repeating unit cell, preferably one that allows a high density of beads on the substrate. However, it should be noted that these sites may not be discrete sites. That is, it is possible to use a uniform surface of adhesive or chemical functionalities, for example, that allows the attachment of beads at any position. That is, the surface of the substrate is modified to allow attachment of the microspheres at individual sites, whether or not those sites are contiguous or non-contiguous with other sites. Thus, the surface of the substrate may be modified such that discrete sites are formed that can only have a single associated bead, or alternatively, the surface of the substrate is modified and beads may go down anywhere, but they end up at discrete sites. That is, while beads need not occupy each site on the array, no more than one bead occupies each site.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the substrate is modified to contain wells, i.e. depressions in the surface of the substrate. This may be done as is generally known in the art using a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, photolithography, stamping techniques, molding techniques and microetching techniques. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the technique used will depend on the composition and shape of the substrate.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, physical alterations are made in a surface of the substrate to produce the sites. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is a fiber optic bundle and the surface of the substrate is a terminal end of the fiber bundle, as is generally described in Ser. Nos. 08/818,199 and 09/151,877, both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. In this embodiment, wells are made in a terminal or distal end of a fiber optic bundle comprising individual fibers. In this embodiment, the cores of the individual fibers are etched, with respect to the cladding, such that small wells or depressions are formed at one end of the fibers. The required depth of the wells will depend on the size of the beads to be added to the wells.

[0098] Generally in this embodiment, the microspheres are non-covalently associated in the wells, although the wells may additionally be chemically functionalized as is generally described below, cross-linking agents may be used, or a physical barrier may be used, i.e. a film or membrane over the beads.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the substrate is modified to contain chemically modified sites, that can be used to attach, either covalently or non-covalently, the microspheres of the invention to the discrete sites or locations on the substrate. “Chemically modified sites” in this context includes, but is not limited to, the addition of a pattern of chemical functional groups including amino groups, carboxy groups, oxo groups and thiol groups, that can be used to covalently attach microspheres, which generally also contain corresponding reactive functional groups; the addition of a pattern of adhesive that can be used to bind the microspheres (either by prior chemical functionalization for the addition of the adhesive or direct addition of the adhesive); the addition of a pattern of charged groups (similar to the chemical functionalities) for the electrostatic attachment of the microspheres, i.e. when the microspheres comprise charged groups opposite to the sites; the addition of a pattern of chemical functional groups that renders the sites differentially hydrophobic or hydrophilic, such that the addition of similarly hydrophobic or hydrophilic microspheres under suitable experimental conditions will result in association of the microspheres to the sites on the basis of hydroaffinity. For example, the use of hydrophobic sites with hydrophobic beads, in an aqueous system, drives the association of the beads preferentially onto the sites. As outlined above, “pattern” in this sense includes the use of a uniform treatment of the surface to allow attachment of the beads at discrete sites, as well as treatment of the surface resulting in discrete sites. As will be appreciated by those in the art, this may be accomplished in a variety of ways.

[0100] In some embodiments, the beads are not associated with a substrate. That is, the beads are in solution or are not distributed on a patterned substrate.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the invention further comprise a population of microspheres. By “population” herein is meant a plurality of beads as outlined above for arrays. Within the population are separate subpopulations, which can be a single microsphere or multiple identical microspheres. That is, in some embodiments, as is more fully outlined below, the array may contain only a single bead for each capture probe; preferred embodiments utilize a plurality of beads of each type.

[0102] By “microspheres” or “beads” or “particles” or grammatical equivalents herein is meant small discrete particles. The composition of the beads will vary, depending on the class of capture probe and the method of synthesis. Suitable bead compositions include those used in peptide, nucleic acid and organic moiety synthesis, including, but not limited to, plastics, ceramics, glass, polystyrene, methylstyrene, acrylic polymers, paramagnetic materials, thoria sol, carbon graphite, titanium dioxide, latex or cross-linked dextrans such as Sepharose, cellulose, nylon, cross-linked micelles and Teflon may all be used. “Microsphere Detection Guide” from Bangs Laboratories, Fishers Ind. is a helpful guide.

[0103] The beads need not be spherical; irregular particles may be used. In addition, the beads may be porous, thus increasing the surface area of the bead available for either capture probe attachment or tag attachment. The bead sizes range from nanometers, i.e. 100 nm, to millimeters, i.e. 1 mm, with beads from about 0.2 micron to about 200 microns being preferred, and from about 0.5 to about 5 micron being particularly preferred, although in some embodiments smaller beads may be used.

[0104] It should be noted that a key component of the invention is the use of a substrate/bead pairing that allows the association or attachment of the beads at discrete sites on the surface of the substrate, such that the beads do not move during the course of the assay.

[0105] Each microsphere comprises a capture probe, although as will be appreciated by those in the art, there may be some microspheres which do not contain a capture probe, depending on the synthetic methods.

[0106] Attachment of the nucleic acids may be done in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those in the art, including, but not limited to, chemical or affinity capture (for example, including the incorporation of derivatized nucleotides such as AminoLink or biotinylated nucleotides that can then be used to attach the nucleic acid to a surface, as well as affinity capture by hybridization), cross-linking, and electrostatic attachment, etc. In a preferred embodiment, affinity capture is used to attach the nucleic acids to the beads. For example, nucleic acids can be derivatized, for example with one member of a binding pair, and the beads derivatized with the other member of a binding pair. Suitable binding pairs are as described herein for IBL/DBL pairs. For example, the nucleic acids may be biotinylated (for example using enzymatic incorporate of biotinylated nucleotides, for by photoactivated cross-linking of biotin). Biotinylated nucleic acids can then be captured on streptavidin-coated beads, as is known in the art. Similarly, other hapten-receptor combinations can be used, such as digoxigenin and anti-digoxigenin antibodies. Alternatively, chemical groups can be added in the form of derivatized nucleotides, that can them be used to add the nucleic acid to the surface.

[0107] Preferred attachments are covalent, although even relatively weak interactions (i.e. non-covalent) can be sufficient to attach a nucleic acid to a surface, if there are multiple sites of attachment per each nucleic acid. Thus, for example, electrostatic interactions can be used for attachment, for example by having beads carrying the opposite charge to the bioactive agent.

[0108] Similarly, affinity capture utilizing hybridization can be used to attach nucleic acids to beads.

[0109] Alternatively, chemical crosslinking may be done, for example by photoactivated crosslinking of thymidine to reactive groups, as is known in the art.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, each bead comprises a single type of capture probe, although a plurality of individual capture probes are preferably attached to each bead. Similarly, preferred embodiments utilize more than one microsphere containing a unique capture probe; that is, there is redundancy built into the system by the use of subpopulations of microspheres, each microsphere in the subpopulation containing the same capture probe.

[0111] As will be appreciated by those in the art, the capture probes may either be synthesized directly on the beads, or they may be made and then attached after synthesis. In a preferred embodiment, linkers are used to attach the capture probes to the beads, to allow both good attachment, sufficient flexibility to allow good interaction with the target molecule, and to avoid undesirable binding reactions.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the capture probes are synthesized directly on the beads. As is known in the art, many classes of chemical compounds are currently synthesized on solid supports, such as peptides, organic moieties, and nucleic acids. It is a relatively straightforward matter to adjust the current synthetic techniques to use beads.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the capture probes are synthesized first, and then covalently attached to the beads. As will be appreciated by those in the art, this will be done depending on the composition of the capture probes and the beads. The functionalization of solid support surfaces such as certain polymers with chemically reactive groups such as thiols, amines, carboxyls, etc. is generally known in the art. Accordingly, “blank” microspheres may be used that have surface chemistries that facilitate the attachment of the desired functionality by the user. Some examples of these surface chemistries for blank microspheres include, but are not limited to, amino groups including aliphatic and aromatic amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, amides, chloromethyl groups, hydrazide, hydroxyl groups, sulfonates and sulfates.

[0114] When random arrays are used, an encoding/decoding system must be used. For example, when microsphere arrays are used, the beads are generally put onto the substrate randomly; as such there are several ways to correlate the functionality on the bead with its location, including the incorporation of unique optical signatures, generally fluorescent dyes, that could be used to identify the nucleic acid on any particular bead. This allows the synthesis of the capture probes to be divorced from their placement on an array, i.e. the capture probes may be synthesized on the beads, and then the beads are randomly distributed on a patterned surface. Since the beads are first coded with an optical signature, this means that the array can later be “decoded”, i.e. after the array is made, a correlation of the location of an individual site on the array with the bead or probe at that particular site can be made. This means that the beads may be randomly distributed on the array, a fast and inexpensive process as compared to either the in situ synthesis or spotting techniques of the prior art.

[0115] However, the drawback to these methods is that for a large array, the system requires a large number of different optical signatures, which may be difficult or time-consuming to utilize. Accordingly, the present invention provides several improvements over these methods, generally directed to methods of coding and decoding the arrays. That is, as will be appreciated by those in the art, the placement of the capture probes is generally random, and thus a coding/decoding system is required to identify the probe at each location in the array. This may be done in a variety of ways, as is more fully outlined below, and generally includes: a) the use a decoding binding ligand (DBL), generally directly labeled, that binds to either the capture probe or to identifier binding ligands (IBLs) attached to the beads; b) positional decoding, for example by either targeting the placement of beads (for example by using photoactivatible or photocleavable moieties to allow the selective addition of beads to particular locations), or by using either sub-bundles or selective loading of the sites, as are more fully outlined below; c) selective decoding, wherein only those beads that bind to a target are decoded; or d) combinations of any of these. In some cases, as is more fully outlined below, this decoding may occur for all the beads, or only for those that bind a particular target sequence. Similarly, this may occur either prior to or after addition of a target sequence. In addition, as outlined herein, the target sequences detected may be either a primary target sequence (e.g. a patient sample), or a reaction product from one of the methods described herein (e.g. an extended SBE probe, a ligated probe, a cleaved signal probe, etc.).

[0116] Once the identity (i.e. the actual agent) and location of each microsphere in the array has been fixed, the array is exposed to samples containing the target sequences, although as outlined below, this can be done prior to or during the analysis as well. The target sequences can hybridize (either directly or indirectly) to the capture probes as is more fully outlined below, and results in a change in the optical signal of a particular bead.

[0117] In the present invention, “decoding” does not rely on the use of optical signatures, but rather on the use of decoding binding ligands that are added during a decoding step. The decoding binding ligands will bind either to a distinct identifier binding ligand partner that is placed on the beads, or to the capture probe itself. The decoding binding ligands are either directly or indirectly labeled, and thus decoding occurs by detecting the presence of the label. By using pools of decoding binding ligands in a sequential fashion, it is possible to greatly minimize the number of required decoding steps.

[0118] In some embodiments, the microspheres may additionally comprise identifier binding ligands for use in certain decoding systems. By “identifier binding ligands” or “IBLs” herein is meant a compound that will specifically bind a corresponding decoder binding ligand (DBL) to facilitate the elucidation of the identity of the capture probe attached to the bead. That is, the IBL and the corresponding DBL form a binding partner pair. By “specifically bind” herein is meant that the IBL binds its DBL with specificity sufficient to differentiate between the corresponding DBL and other DBLs (that is, DBLs for other IBLs), or other components or contaminants of the system. The binding should be sufficient to remain bound under the conditions of the decoding step, including wash steps to remove non specific binding. In some embodiments, for example when the IBLs and corresponding DBLs are proteins or nucleic acids, the dissociation constants of the IBL to its DBL will be less than about 10 4-10 6 M-1, with less than about 10 5 to 10 9 M 1 being preferred and less than about 10 7-10 9 M-1 being particularly preferred.

[0119] IBL-DBL binding pairs are known or can be readily found using known techniques. For example, when the IBL is a protein, the DBLs include proteins (particularly including antibodies or fragments thereof (FAbs, etc.)) or small molecules, or vice versa (the IBL is an antibody and the DBL is a protein). Metal ion- metal ion ligands or chelators pairs are also useful. Antigen-antibody pairs, enzymes and substrates or inhibitors, other protein-protein interacting pairs, receptor-ligands, complementary nucleic acids, and carbohydrates and their binding partners are also suitable binding pairs. Nucleic acid—nucleic acid binding proteins pairs are also useful. Similarly, as is generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,270,163, 5,475,096, 5,567,588, 5,595,877, 5,637,459, 5,683,867, 5,705,337, and related patents, hereby incorporated by reference, nucleic acid “aptamers” can be developed for binding to virtually any target; such an aptamer-target pair can be used as the IBL-DBL pair. Similarly, there is a wide body of literature relating to the development of binding pairs based on combinatorial chemistry methods.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the IBL is a molecule whose color or luminescence properties change in the presence of a selectively-binding DBL. For example, the IBL may be a fluorescent pH indicator whose emission intensity changes with pH. Similarly, the IBL may be a fluorescent ion indicator, whose emission properties change with ion concentration.

[0121] Alternatively, the IBL is a molecule whose color or luminescence properties change in the presence of various solvents. For example, the IBL may be a fluorescent molecule such as an ethidium salt whose fluorescence intensity increases in hydrophobic environments. Similarly, the IBL may be a derivative of fluorescein whose color changes between aqueous and nonpolar solvents.

[0122] In one embodiment, the DBL may be attached to a bead, i.e. a “decoder bead”, that may carry a label such as a fluorophore.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the IBL-DBL pair comprise substantially complementary single-stranded nucleic acids. In this embodiment, the binding ligands can be referred to as “identifier probes” and “decoder probes”. Generally, the identifier and decoder probes range from about 4 basepairs in length to about 1000, with from about 6 to about 100 being preferred, and from about 8 to about 40 being particularly preferred. What is important is that the probes are long enough to be specific, i.e. to distinguish between different IBL-DBL pairs, yet short enough to allow both a) dissociation, if necessary, under suitable experimental conditions, and b) efficient hybridization.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, as is more fully outlined below, the IBLs do not bind to DBLs. Rather, the IBLs are used as identifier moieties (“IMs”) that are identified directly, for example through the use of mass spectroscopy.

[0125] Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the IBL and the capture probe are the same moiety; thus, for example, as outlined herein, particularly when no optical signatures are used, the capture probe can serve as both the identifier and the agent. For example, in the case of nucleic acids, the bead-bound probe (which serves as the capture probe) can also bind decoder probes, to identify the sequence of the probe on the bead. Thus, in this embodiment, the DBLs bind to the capture probes.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the microspheres may contain an optical signature. That is, as outlined in U.S. Ser. Nos. 08/818,199 and 09/151,877, previous work had each subpopulation of microspheres comprising a unique optical signature or optical tag that is used to identify the unique capture probe of that subpopulation of microspheres; that is, decoding utilizes optical properties of the beads such that a bead comprising the unique optical signature may be distinguished from beads at other locations with different optical signatures. Thus the previous work assigned each capture probe a unique optical signature such that any microspheres comprising that capture probe are identifiable on the basis of the signature. These optical signatures comprised dyes, usually chromophores or fluorophores, that were entrapped or attached to the beads themselves. Diversity of optical signatures utilized different fluorochromes, different ratios of mixtures of fluorochromes, and different concentrations (intensities) of fluorochromes.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention does not rely solely on the use of optical properties to decode the arrays. However, as will be appreciated by those in the art, it is possible in some embodiments to utilize optical signatures as an additional coding method, in conjunction with the present system. Thus, for example, as is more fully outlined below, the size of the array may be effectively increased while using a single set of decoding moieties in several ways, one of which is the use of optical signatures one some beads. Thus, for example, using one “set” of decoding molecules, the use of two populations of beads, one with an optical signature and one without, allows the effective doubling of the array size. The use of multiple optical signatures similarly increases the possible size of the array.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, each subpopulation of beads comprises a plurality of different IBLs. By using a plurality of different IBLs to encode each capture probe, the number of possible unique codes is substantially increased. That is, by using one unique IBL per capture probe, the size of the array will be the number of unique IBLs (assuming no “reuse” occurs, as outlined below). However, by using a plurality of different IBLs per bead, n, the size of the array can be increased to 2 n, when the presence or absence of each IBL is used as the indicator. For example, the assignment of 10 IBLs per bead generates a 10 bit binary code, where each bit can be designated as “1” (IBL is present) or “0” (IBL is absent). A 10 bit binary code has 210 possible variants However, as is more fully discussed below, the size of the array may be further increased if another parameter is included such as concentration or intensity; thus for example, if two different concentrations of the IBL are used, then the array size increases as 3 n. Thus, in this embodiment, each individual capture probe in the array is assigned a combination of IBLs, which can be added to the beads prior to the addition of the capture probe, after, or during the synthesis of the capture probe, i.e. simultaneous addition of IBLs and capture probe components.

[0129] Alternatively, the combination of different IBLs can be used to elucidate the sequence of the nucleic acid. Thus, for example, using two different IBLs (IBL1 and IBL2), the first position of a nucleic acid can be elucidated: for example, adenosine can be represented by the presence of both IBL1 and IBL2; thymidine can be represented by the presence of IBL1 but not IBL2, cytosine can be represented by the presence of IBL2 but not IBL1, and guanosine can be represented by the absence of both. The second position of the nucleic acid can be done in a similar manner using IBL3 and IBL4; thus, the presence of IBL1, IBL2, IBL3 and IBL4 gives a sequence of AA; IBL1, IBL2, and IBL3 shows the sequence AT; IBL1, IBL3 and IBL4 gives the sequence TA, etc. The third position utilizes IBL5 and IBL6, etc. In this way, the use of 20 different identifiers can yield a unique code for every possible 10-mer.

[0130] In this way, a sort of “bar code” for each sequence can be constructed; the presence or absence of each distinct IBL will allow the identification of each capture probe.

[0131] In addition, the use, of different concentrations or densities of IBLs allows a “reuse” of sorts. If, for example, the bead comprising a first agent has a 1× concentration of IBL, and a second bead comprising a second agent has a 10× concentration of IBL, using saturating concentrations of the corresponding labelled DBL allows the user to distinguish between the two beads.

[0132] Once the microspheres comprising the capture probes are generated, they are added to the substrate to form an array. It should be noted that while most of the methods described herein add the beads to the substrate prior to the assay, the order of making, using and decoding the array can vary. For example, the array can be made, decoded, and then the assay done. Alternatively, the array can be made, used in an assay, and then decoded; this may find particular use when only a few beads need be decoded. Alternatively, the beads can be added to the assay mixture, i.e. the sample containing the target sequences, prior to the addition of the beads to the substrate; after addition and assay, the array may be decoded. This is particularly preferred when the sample comprising the beads is agitated or mixed; this can increase the amount of target sequence bound to the beads per unit time, and thus (in the case of nucleic acid assays) increase the hybridization kinetics. This may find particular use in cases where the concentration of target sequence in the sample is low; generally, for low concentrations, long binding times must be used.

[0133] In general, the methods of making the arrays and of decoding the arrays is done to maximize the number of different candidate agents that can be uniquely encoded. The -compositions of the invention may be made in a variety of ways. In general, the arrays are made by adding a solution or slurry comprising the beads to a surface containing the sites for attachment of the beads. This may be done in a variety of buffers, including aqueous and organic solvents, and mixtures. The solvent can evaporate, and excess beads are removed.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, when non-covalent methods are used to associate the beads with the array, a novel method of loading the beads onto the array is used. This method comprises exposing the array to a solution of particles (including microspheres and cells) and then applying energy, e.g. agitating or vibrating the mixture. This results in an array comprising more tightly associated particles, as the agitation is done with sufficient energy to cause weakly-associated beads to fall off (or out, in the case of wells). These sites are then available to bind a different bead. In this way, beads that exhibit a high affinity for the sites are selected. Arrays made in this way have two main advantages as compared to a more static loading: first of all, a higher percentage of the sites can be filled easily, and secondly, the arrays thus loaded show a substantial decrease in bead loss during assays. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, these methods are used to generate arrays that have at least about 50% of the sites filled, with at least about 75% being preferred, and at least about 90% being particularly preferred. Similarly, arrays generated in this manner preferably lose less than about 20% of the beads during an assay, with less than about 10% being preferred and less than about 5% being particularly preferred.

[0135] In this embodiment, the substrate comprising the surface with the discrete sites is immersed into a solution comprising the particles (beads, cells, etc.). The surface may comprise wells, as is described herein, or other types of sites on a patterned surface such that there is a differential affinity for the sites. This differnetial affinity results in a competitive process, such that particles that will associate more tightly are selected. Preferably, the entire surface to be “loaded” with beads is in fluid contact with the solution. This solution is generally a slurry ranging from about 10,000:1 beads:solution (vol:vol) to 1:1. Generally, the solution can comprise any number of reagents, including aqueous buffers, organic solvents, salts, other reagent components, etc. In addition, the solution preferably comprises an excess of beads; that is, there are more beads than sites on the array. Preferred embodiments utilize two-fold to billion-fold excess of beads.

[0136] The immersion can mimic the assay conditions; for example, if the array is to be “dipped” from above into a microtiter plate comprising samples, this configuration can be repeated for the loading, thus minimizing the beads that are likely to fall out due to gravity.

[0137] Once the surface has been immersed, the substrate, the solution, or both are subjected to a competitive process, whereby the particles with lower affinity can be disassociated from the substrate and replaced by particles exhibiting a higher affinity to the site. This competitive process is done by the introduction of energy, in the form of heat, sonication, stirring or mixing, vibrating or agitating the solution or substrate, or both.

[0138] A preferred embodiment utilizes agitation or vibration. In general, the amount of manipulation of the substrate is minimized to prevent damage to the array; thus, preferred embodiments utilize the agitation of the solution rather than the array, although either will work. As will be appreciated by those in the art, this agitation can take on any number of forms, with a preferred embodiment utilizing microtiter plates comprising bead solutions being agitated using microtiter plate shakers.

[0139] The agitation proceeds for a period of time sufficient to load the array to a desired fill. Depending on the size and concentration of the beads and the size of the array, this time may range from about 1 second to days, with from about 1 minute to about 24 hours being preferred.

[0140] It should be noted that not all sites of an array may comprise a bead; that is, there may be some sites on the substrate surface which are empty. In addition, there may be some sites that contain more than one bead, although this is not preferred.

[0141] In some embodiments, for example when chemical attachment is done, it is possible to attach the beads in a non-random or ordered way. For example, using photoactivatible attachment linkers or photoactivatible adhesives or masks, selected sites on the array may be sequentially rendered suitable for attachment, such that defined populations of beads are laid down.

[0142] The arrays of the present invention are constructed such that information about the identity of the capture probe is built into the array, such that the random deposition of the beads in the fiber wells can be “decoded” to allow identification of the capture probe at all positions. This may be done in a variety of ways, and either before, during or after the use of the array to detect target molecules.

[0143] Thus, after the array is made, it is “decoded” in order to identify the location of one or more of the capture probes, i.e. each subpopulation of beads, on the substrate surface.

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, pyrosequencing techniques are used to decode the array, as is generally described in “Nucleic Acid Sequencing Using Microsphere Arrays”, filed Oct. 22, 1999 (no U.S. Ser. No. received yet), hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, a selective decoding system is used. In this case, only those microspheres exhibiting a change in the optical signal as a result of the binding of a target sequence are decoded. This is commonly done when the number of “hits”, i.e. the number of sites to decode, is generally low. That is, the array is first scanned under experimental conditions in the absence of the target sequences. The sample containing the target sequences is added, and only those locations exhibiting a change in the optical signal are decoded. For example, the beads at either the positive or negative signal locations may be either selectively tagged or released from the array (for example through the use of photocleavable linkers), and subsequently sorted or enriched in a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). That is, either all the negative beads are released, and then the positive beads are either released or analyzed in situ, or alternatively all the positives are released and analyzed. Alternatively, the labels may comprise halogenated aromatic compounds, and detection of the label is done using for example gas chromatography, chemical tags, isotopic tags mass spectral tags.

[0146] As will be appreciated by those in the art, this may also be done in systems where the array is not decoded; i.e. there need not ever be a correlation of bead composition with location. In this embodiment, the beads are loaded on the array, and the assay is run. The “positives”, i.e. those beads displaying a change in the optical signal as is more fully outlined below, are then “marked” to distinguish or separate them from the “negative” beads. This can be done in several ways, preferably using fiber optic arrays. In a preferred embodiment, each bead contains a fluorescent dye. After the assay and the identification of the “positives” or “active beads”, light is shown down either only the positive fibers or only the negative fibers, generally in the presence of a light-activated reagent (typically dissolved oxygen). In the former case, all the active beads are photobleached. Thus, upon non-selective release of all the beads with subsequent sorting, for example using a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) machine, the non-fluorescent active beads can be sorted from the fluorescent negative beads. Alternatively, when light is shown down the negative fibers, all the negatives are non-fluorescent and the the postives are fluorescent, and sorting can proceed. The characterization of the attached capture probe may be done directly, for example using mass spectroscopy.

[0147] Alternatively, the identification may occur through the use of identifier moieties (“IMs”), which are similar to IBLs but need not necessarily bind to DBLs. That is, rather than elucidate the structure of the capture probe directly, the composition of the IMs may serve as the identifier. Thus, for example, a specific combination of IMs can serve to code the bead, and be used to identify the agent on the bead upon release from the bead followed by subsequent analysis, for example using a gas chromatograph or mass spectroscope.

[0148] Alternatively, rather than having each bead contain a fluorescent dye, each bead comprises a non-fluorescent precursor to a fluorescent dye. For example, using photocleavable protecting groups, such as certain ortho-nitrobenzyl groups, on a fluorescent molecule, photoactivation of the fluorochrome can be done. After the assay, light is shown down again either the “positive” or the “negative” fibers, to distinquish these populations. The illuminated precursors are then chemically converted to a fluorescent dye. All the beads are then released from the array, with sorting, to form populations of fluorescent and non-fluorescent beads (either the positives and the negatives or vice versa).

[0149] In an alternate preferred embodiment, the sites of attachment of the beads (for example the wells) include a photopolymerizable reagent, or the photopolymerizable agent is added to the assembled array. After the test assay is run, light is shown down again either the “positive” or the “negative” fibers; to distinquish these populations. As a result of the irradiation, either all the positives or all the negatives are polymerized and trapped or bound to the sites, while the other population of beads can be released from the array.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the location of every capture probe is determined using decoder binding ligands (DBLs). As outlined above, DBLs are binding ligands that will either bind to identifier binding ligands, if present, or to the capture probes themselves, preferably when the capture probe is a nucleic acid or protein.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, as outlined above, the DBL binds to the IBL.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment, the capture probes are single-stranded nucleic acids and the DBL is a substantially complementary single-stranded nucleic acid that binds (hybridizes) to the capture probe, termed a decoder probe herein. A decoder probe that is substantially complementary to each candidate probe is made and used to decode the array. In this embodiment, the candidate probes and the decoder probes should be of sufficient length (and the decoding step run under suitable conditions) to allow specificity; i.e. each candidate probe binds to its corresponding decoder probe with sufficient specificity to allow the distinction of each candidate probe.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment, the DBLs are either directly or indirectly labeled. In a preferred embodiment, the DBL is directly labeled, that is, the DBL comprises a label. In an alternate embodiment, the DBL is indirectly labeled; that is, a labeling binding ligand (LBL) that will bind to the DBL is used. In this embodiment, the labeling binding ligand-DBL pair can be as described above for IBL-DBL pairs.

[0154] Accordingly, the identification of the location of the individual beads (or subpopulations of beads) is done using one or more decoding steps comprising a binding between the labeled DBL and either the IBL or the capture probe (i.e. a hybridization between the candidate probe and the decoder probe when the capture probe is a nucleic acid). After decoding, the DBLs can be removed and the array can be used; however, in some circumstances, for example when the DBL binds to an IBL and not to the capture probe, the removal of the DBL is not required (although it may be desirable in some circumstances). In addition, as outlined herein, decoding may be done either before the array is used to in an assay, during the assay, or after the assay.

[0155] In one embodiment, a single decoding step is done. In this embodiment, each DBL is labeled with a unique label, such that the the number of unique tags is equal to or greater than the number of capture probes (although in some cases, “reuse” of the unique labels can be done, as described herein; similarly, minor variants of candidate probes can share the same decoder, if the variants are encoded in another dimension, i.e. in the bead size or label). For each capture probe or IBL, a DBL is made that will specifically bind to it and contains a unique tag, for example one or more fluorochromes. Thus, the identity of each DBL, both its composition (i.e. its sequence when it is a nucleic acid) and its label, is known. Then, by adding the DBLs to the array containing the capture probes under conditions which allow the formation of complexes (termed hybridization complexes when the components are nucleic acids) between the DBLs and either the capture probes or the IBLs, the location of each DBL can be elucidated. This allows the identification of the location of each capture probe; the random array has been decoded. The DBLs can then be removed, if necessary, and the target sample applied.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the number of unique labels is less than the number of unique capture probes, and thus a sequential series of decoding steps are used. In this embodiment, decoder probes are divided into n sets for decoding. The number of sets corresponds to the number of unique tags. Each decoder probe is labeled in n separate reactions with n distinct tags. All the decoder probes share the same n tags. The decoder probes are pooled so that each pool contains only one of the n tag versions of each decoder, and no two decoder probes have the same sequence of tags across all the pools. The number of pools required for this to be true is determined by the number of decoder probes and the n. Hybridization of each pool to the array generates a signal at every address. The sequential hybridization of each pool in turn will generate a unique, sequence-specific code for each candidate probe. This identifies the candidate probe at each address in the array. For example, if four tags are used, then 4×n sequential hybridizations can ideally distinguish 4n sequences, although in some cases more steps may be required. After the hybridization of each pool, the hybrids are denatured and the decoder probes removed, so that the probes are rendered single-stranded for the next hybridization (although it is also possible to hybridize limiting amounts of target so that the available probe is not saturated. Sequential hybridizations can be carried out and analyzed by subtracting pre-existing signal from the previous hybridization).

[0157] An example is illustrative. Assuming an array of 16 probe nucleic acids (numbers 1-16), and four unique tags (four different fluors, for example; labels A-D). Decoder probes 1-16 are made that correspond to the probes on the beads. The first step is to label decoder probes 1-4 with tag A, decoder probes 5-8 with tag B, decoder probes 9-12 with tag C, and decoder probes 13-16 with tag D. The probes are mixed and the pool is contacted with the array containing the beads with the attached candidate probes. The location of each tag (and thus each decoder and candidate probe pair) is then determined. The first set of decoder probes are then removed. A second set is added, but this time, decoder probes 1, 5, 9 and 13 are labeled with tag A, decoder probes 2, 6, 10 and 14 are labeled with tag B, decoder probes 3, 7, 11 and 15 are labeled with tag C, and decoder probes 4, 8, 12 and 16 are labeled with tag D. Thus, those beads that contained tag A in both decoding steps contain candidate probe 1; tag A in the first decoding step and tag B in the second decoding step contain candidate probe 2; tag A in the first decoding step and tag C in the second step contain candidate probe 3; etc.

[0158] In one embodiment, the decoder probes are labeled in situ; that is, they need not be labeled prior to the decoding reaction. In this embodiment, the incoming decoder probe is shorter than the candidate probe, creating a 5′ “overhang” on the decoding probe. The addition of labeled ddNTPs (each labeled with a unique tag) and a polymerase will allow the addition of the tags in a sequence specific manner, thus creating a sequence-specific pattern of signals. Similarly, other modifications can be done, including ligation, etc.

[0159] In addition, since the size of the array will be set by the number of unique decoding binding ligands, it is possible to “reuse” a set of unique DBLs to allow for a greater number of test sites. This may be done in several ways; for example, by using some subpopulations that comprise optical signatures. Similarly, the use of a positional coding scheme within an array; different sub-bundles may reuse the set of DBLs. Similarly, one embodiment utilizes bead size as a coding modality, thus allowing the reuse of the set of unique DBLs for each bead size. Alternatively, sequential partial loading of arrays with beads can also allow the reuse of DBLs. Furthermore, “code sharing” can occur as well.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, the DBLs may be reused by having some subpopulations of beads comprise optical signatures. In a preferred embodiment, the optical signature is generally a mixture of reporter dyes, preferably fluorescent. By varying both the composition of the mixture (i.e. the ratio of one dye to another) and the concentration of the dye (leading to differences in signal intensity), matrices of unique optical signatures may be generated. This may be done by covalently attaching the dyes to the surface of the beads, or alternatively, by entrapping the dye within the bead.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the encoding can be accomplished in a ratio of at least two dyes, although more encoding dimensions may be added in the size of the beads, for example. In addition, the labels are distinguishable from one another; thus two different labels may comprise different molecules (i.e. two different fluors) or, alternatively, one label at two different concentrations or intensity.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the dyes are covalently attached to the surface of the beads. This may be done as is generally outlined for the attachment of the capture probes, using functional groups on the surface of the beads. As will be appreciated by those in the art, these attachments are done to minimize the effect on the dye.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment, the dyes are non-covalently associated with the beads, generally by entrapping the dyes in the pores of the beads.

[0164] Additionally, encoding in the ratios of the two or more dyes, rather than single dye concentrations, is preferred since it provides insensitivity to the intensity of light used to interrogate the reporter dye's signature and detector sensitivity.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment, a spatial or positional coding system is done. In this embodiment, there are sub-bundles or subarrays (i.e. portions of the total array) that are utilized. By analogy with the telephone system, each subarray is an “area code”, that can have the same tags (i.e. telephone numbers) of other subarrays, that are separated by virtue of the location of the subarray. Thus, for example, the same unique tags can be reused from bundle to bundle. Thus, the use of 50 unique tags in combination with 100 different subarrays can form an array of 5000 different capture probes. In this embodiment, it becomes important to be able to identify one bundle from another; in general, this is done either manually or through the use of marker beads, i.e. beads containing unique tags for each subarray.

[0166] In alternative embodiments, additional encoding parameters can be added, such as microsphere size. For example, the use of different size beads may also allow the reuse of sets of DBLs; that is, it is possible to use microspheres of different sizes to expand the encoding dimensions of the microspheres. Optical fiber arrays can be fabricated containing pixels with different fiber diameters or cross-sections; alternatively, two or more fiber optic bundles, each with different cross-sections of the individual fibers, can be added together to form a larger bundle; or, fiber optic bundles with fiber of the same size cross-sections can be used, but just with different sized beads. With different diameters, the largest wells can be filled with the largest microspheres and then moving onto progressively smaller microspheres in the smaller wells until all size wells are then filled. In this manner, the same dye ratio could be used to encode microspheres of different sizes thereby expanding the number of different oligonucleotide sequences or chemical functionalities present in the array. Although outlined for fiber optic substrates, this as well as the other methods outlined herein can be used with other substrates and with other attachment modalities as well.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment, the coding and decoding is accomplished by sequential loading of the microspheres into the array. As outlined above for spatial coding, in this embodiment, the optical signatures can be “reused”. In this embodiment, the library of microspheres each comprising a different capture probe (or the subpopulations each comprise a different capture probe), is divided into a plurality of sublibraries; for example, depending on the size of the desired array and the number of unique tags, 10 sublibraries each comprising roughly 10% of the total library may be made, with each sublibrary comprising roughly the same unique tags. Then, the first sublibrary is added to the fiber optic bundle comprising the wells, and the location of each capture probe is determined, generally through the use of DBLs. The second sublibrary is then added, and the location of each capture probe is again determined. The signal in this case will comprise the signal from the “first” DBL and the “second” DBL; by comparing the two matrices the location of each bead in each sublibrary can be determined. Similarly, adding the third, fourth, etc. sublibraries sequentially will allow the array to be filled.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, codes can be “shared” in several ways. In a first embodiment, a single code (i.e. IBL/DBL pair) can be assigned to two or more agents if the target sequences different sufficiently in their binding strengths. For example, two nucleic acid probes used in an mRNA quantitation assay can share the same code if the ranges of their hybridization signal intensities do not overlap. This can occur, for example, when one of the target sequences is always present at a much higher concentration than the other. Alternatively, the two target sequences might always be present at a similar concentration, but differ in hybridization efficiency.

[0169] Alternatively, a single code can be assigned to multiple agents if the agents are functionally equivalent. For example, if a set of oligonucleotide probes are designed with the common purpose of detecting the presence of a particular gene, then the probes are functionally equivalent, even though they may differ in sequence. Similarly, an array of this type could be used to detect homologs of known genes. In this embodiment, each gene is represented by a heterologous set of probes, hybridizing to different regions of the gene (and therefore differing in sequence). The set of probes share a common code. If a homolog is present, it might hybridize to some but not all of the probes. The level of homology might be indicated by the fraction of probes hybridizing, as well as the average hybridization intensity. Similarly, multiple antibodies to the same protein could all share the same code.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, decoding of self-assembled random arrays is done on the bases of pH titration. In this embodiment, in addition to capture probes, the beads comprise optical signatures, wherein the optical signatures are generated by the use of pH-responsive dyes (sometimes referred to herein as “ph dyes”) such as fluorophores. This embodiment is similar to that outlined in PCT US98/05025 and U.S. Ser. No. 09/151,877, both of which are expressly incorporated by reference, except that the dyes used in the present ivention exhibits changes in fluorescence intensity (or other properties) when the solution pH is adjusted from below the pKa to above the pKa (or vice versa). In a preferred embodiment, a set of pH dyes are used, each with a different pKa, preferably separated by at least 0.5 pH units. Preferred embodiments utilize a pH dye set of pKa's of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11, and 11.5. Each bead can contain any subset of the pH dyes, and in this way a unique code for the capture probe is generated. Thus, the decoding of an array is achieved by titrating the array from pH 1 to pH 13, and measuring the fluorescence signal from each bead as a function of solution pH.

[0171] Thus, the present invention provides array compositions comprising a substrate with a surface comprising discrete sites. A population of microspheres is distributed on the sites, and the population comprises at least a first and a second subpopulation. Each subpopulation comprises a capture probe, and, in addition, at least one optical dye with a given pKa. The pKas of the different optical dyes are different.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment, several levels of redundancy are built into the arrays of the invention. Building redundancy into an array gives several significant advantages, including the ability to make quantitative estimates of confidence about the data and signficant increases in sensitivity. Thus, preferred embodiments utilize array redundancy. As will be appreciated by those in the art, there are at least two types of redundancy that can be built into an array: the use of multiple identical sensor elements (termed herein “sensor redundancy”), and the use of multiple sensor elements directed to the same target analyte, but comprising different chemical functionalities (termed herein “target redundancy”). For example, for the detection of nucleic acids, sensor redundancy utilizes of a plurality of sensor elements such as beads comprising identical binding ligands such as probes. Target redundancy utilizes sensor elements with different probes to the same target: one probe may span the first 25 bases of the target, a second probe may span the second 25 bases of the target, etc. By building in either or both of these types of redundancy into an array, significant benefits are obtained. For example, a variety of statistical mathematical analyses may be done.

[0173] In addition, while this is generally described herein for bead arrays, as will be appreciated by those in the art, this techniques can be used for any type of arrays designed to detect target analytes.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, sensor redundancy is used. In this embodiment, a plurality of sensor elements, e.g. beads, comprising identical bioactive agents are used. That is, each subpopulation comprises a plurality of beads comprising identical bioactive agents (e.g. binding ligands). By using a number of identical sensor elements for a given array, the optical signal from each sensor element can be combined and any number of statistical analyses run, as outlined below. This can be done for a variety of reasons. For example, in time varying measurements, redundancy can significantly reduce the noise in the system. For non-time based measurements, redundancy can significantly increase the confidence of the data.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of identical sensor elements are used. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the number of identical sensor elements will vary with the application and use of the sensor array. In general, anywhere from 2 to thousands may be used, with from 2 to 100 being preferred, 2 to 50 being particularly preferred and from 5 to 20 being especially preferred. In general, preliminary results indicate that roughly 10 beads gives a sufficient advantage, although for some applications, more identical sensor elements can be used.

[0176] Once obtained, the optical response signals from a plurality of sensor beads within each bead subpopulation can be manipulated and analyzed in a wide variety of ways, including baseline adjustment, averaging, standard deviation analysis, distribution and cluster analysis, confidence interval analysis, mean testing, etc.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, the first manipulation of the optical response signals is an optional baseline adjustment. In a typical procedure, the standardized optical responses are adjusted to start at a value of 0.0 by subtracting the integer 1.0 from all data points. Doing this allows the baseline-loop data to remain at zero even when summed together and the random response signal noise is canceled out. When the sample is a fluid, the fluid pulse-loop temporal region, however, frequently exhibits a characteristic change in response, either positive, negative or neutral, prior to the sample pulse and often requires a baseline adjustment to overcome noise associated with drift in the first few data points due to charge buildup in the CCD camera. If no drift is present, typically the baseline from the first data point for each bead sensor is subtracted from all the response data for the same bead. If drift is observed, the average baseline from the first ten data points for each bead sensor is substracted from the all the response data for the same bead. By applying this baseline adjustment, when multiple bead responses are added together they can be amplified while the baseline remains at zero. Since all beads respond at the same time to the sample (e.g. the sample pulse), they all see the pulse at the exact same time and there is no registering or adjusting needed for overlaying their responses. In addition, other types of baseline adjustment may be done, depending on the requirements and output of the system used.

[0178] Once the baseline has been adjusted, a number of possible statistical analyses may be run to generate known statistical parameters. Analyses based on redundancy are known and generally described in texts such as Freund and Walpole, Mathematical Statistics, Prentice Hall, Inc. New Jersey, 1980, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, signal summing is done by simply adding the intensity values of all responses at each time point, generating a new temporal response comprised of the sum of all bead responses. These values can be baseline-adjusted or raw. As for all the analyses described herein, signal summing can be performed in real time or during post-data acquisition data reduction and analysis. In one embodiment, signal summing is performed with a commercial spreadsheet program (Excel, Microsoft, Redmond, Wash.) after optical response data is collected.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment, cummulative response data is generated by simply adding all data points in successive time intervals. This final column, comprised of the sum of all data points at a particular time interval, may then be compared or plotted with the individual bead responses to determine the extent of signal enhancement or improved signal-to-noise ratios.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment, the mean of the subpopulation (i.e. the plurality of identical beads) is determined, using the well known Equation 1: $\mu = {\Sigma \quad \frac{x_{i}}{n}}$

[0182] In some embodiments, the subpopulation may be redefined to exclude some beads if necessary (for example for obvious outliers, as discussed below).

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, the standard deviation of the subpopulation can be determined, generally using Equation 2 (for the entire subpopulation) and Equation 3 (for less than the entire subpopulation): $\begin{matrix} {{Equation}\quad 2\text{:}} & \quad & {\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{{\Sigma \left( {x_{i} - \mu} \right)}^{2}}{n}}} \\ {{Equation}\quad 3\text{:}} & \quad & {s = \sqrt{\frac{{\Sigma \left( {x_{i} - \overset{\_}{x}} \right)}^{2}}{n - 1}}} \end{matrix}$

[0184] As for the mean, the subpopulation may be redefined to exclude some beads if necessary (for example for obvious outliers, as discussed below).

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, statistical analyses are done to evaluate whether a particular data point has statistical validity within a subpopulation by using techniques including, but not limited to, t distribution and cluster analysis. This may be done to statistically discard outliers that may otherwise skew the result and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of any particular experiment. This may be done using Equation 4: $t = \frac{\overset{\_}{x} - \mu}{s/\sqrt{n}}$

[0186] In a preferred embodiment, the quality of the data is evaluated using confidence intervals, as is known in the art. Confidence intervals can be used to facilitate more comprehensive data processing to measure the statistical validity of a result.

[0187] In a preferred embodiment, statistical parameters of a subpopulation of beads are used to do hypothesis testing. One application is tests concerning means, also called mean testing. In this application, statistical evaluation is done to determine whether two subpopulations are different. For example, one sample could be compared with another sample for each subpopulation within an array to determine if the variation is statistically significant.

[0188] In addition, mean testing can also be used to differentiate two different assays that share the same code. If the two assays give results that are statistically distinct from each other, then the subpopulations that share a common code can be distinguished from each other on the basis of the assay and the mean test, shown below in Equation 5: $\frac{\overset{\_}{x_{1}} - \overset{\_}{x_{2}}}{\sqrt{\frac{\sigma_{1}^{2}}{n_{1}} + \frac{\sigma_{2}^{2}}{n_{2}}}}$

[0189] Furthermore, analyzing the distribution of individual members of a subpopulation of sensor elements may be done. For example, a subpopulation distribution can be evaluated to determine whether the distribution is binomial, Poisson, hypergeometric, etc.

[0190] In addition to the sensor redundancy, a preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of sensor elements that are directed to a single target analyte but yet are not identical. For example, a single target nucleic acid analyte may have two or more sensor elements each comprising a different probe. This adds a level of confidence as non-specific binding interactions can be statistically minimized. When nucleic acid target analytes are to be evaluated, the redundant nucleic acid probes may be overlapping, adjacent, or spatially separated. However, it is preferred that two probes do not compete for a single binding site, so adjacent or separated probes are preferred. Similarly, when proteinaceous target analytes are to be evaluated, preferred embodiments utilize bioactive agent binding agents that bind to different parts of the target. For example, when antibodies (or antibody fragments) are used as bioactive agents for the binding of target proteins, preferred embodiments utilize antibodies to different epitopes.

[0191] In this embodiment, a plurality of different sensor elements may be used, with from about 2 to about 20 being preferred, and from about 2 to about 10 being especially preferred, and from 2 to about 5 being particularly preferred, including 2, 3, 4 or 5. However, as above, more may also be used, depending on the application.

[0192] As above, any number of statistical analyses may be run on the data from target redundant sensors.

[0193] One benefit of the sensor element summing (referred to herein as “bead summing” when beads are used), is the increase in sensitivity that can occur.

[0194] As outlined herein, the present invention finds use in a wide variety of applications. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES

[0195] Attachment of genomic DNA to a solid support 1. Fragmentation of Genomic DNA Human Genomic DNA 10_g (100 μl) 10X DNase I Buffer 12.5 μl DNase I (1 U/_μl, BRL) 0.5 μl ddH2O 12 μl Incubate 37° C. for 10 min. Add 1.25 μl 0.5 M EDTA, Heat at 99° C. for 15 min. 2. Precipitation of fragmented genomic DNA DNase I fragmented genomic DNA 125 μl Quick-Precip Plus Solution (Edge Biosystems) 20 μl Cold 100% EtOH 300 μl Store at −20° C. for 20 min. Spin at 12,500 rpm for 5 min. Wash pellet 2x with 70% EtOH, and air dry. 3. Terminal Transferase End-Labeling with Biotin DNase I fragmented and precipitated genomic DNA 77.3 μl (in H2O) 5X Terminal transferase buffer 20 μl Biotin-N6-ddATP (1 mM, NEN) 1_μl Terminal transferase (15 U/μl) 1.7 μl 37° C. for 60 min. Add 1 μl 0.5 M EDTA, then heat at 99° C. for 15 min 4. Precipitation of Biotin-labeled genomic DNA Biotin-labeled genomic DNA 100_μl Quick-Precip Solution 20_μl EtOH 250_μl −20° C. for 20 min and spin at 12,500 rpm for 5 min, wash 2x with 70% EtOH and air dry. 5. Immobilization of Biotin-labeled Genomic DNA to Streptavidin-coated PCR tubes Heat-denature genomic DNA for 10 min on 95° C. heat block. Biotin-labeled genomic DNA (0.3_g/_μl) 3 μl _x binding buffer 25 μl SNP Primers (50 nM) 10 μl ddH2O 12_μl Incubate at 60° C. for 60 min. Wash 1x with 1 X binding buffer, 1x with 1 X washing buffer, 1X with 1 X ligation buffer. 1X binding buffer: 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 0.5 M NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% SDS. 1X washing buffer: 20 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 0.1 M NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% Triton X-100. 1X ligation buffer: 20 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6, 25 mM Potassium acetate, 10 mM magnesium acetate, 10 mM DTT, 1 mM NAD, 0.1% Triton X-100. 6. Ligation in Streptavidin-coated PCR tubes make a master solution and each tube contains 49 μl 1X _(———————————————)μl Taq ligation DNA Ligase (40 U/_μl) buffer incubate at 60° C. for 60 min. wash each tube 1x with 1X washing buffer 1x with ddH2O 7. Elution of ligated products add 50 μl ddH2O to each tube and incubated at 95° C. for 5 min, chilled on ice, transfer the supernatant to a clean tube. 8. PCR set up 25 mM dNTPs 0.5 μl 10X buffer II (PEB) 2.5 μl 25 mM MgCl2 1.5 μl AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase (5 Units/μl, PEB) 0.3 μl Eluted (ligated) product (see above) 3 μl Primer set (T3/T7/T7v, 10_M each) 2 μl ddH2O 1 μl Total volume 25 μl PCR condition: 94° c. 10 min 35 cycles of 94° C. 30 sec 60° C. 30 sec and then 72° C. 30 sec 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence, comprising: (a) hybridizing a target sequence with a probe set to form a hybridization complex, said probe set comprising a first probe having a first portion containing an upstream universal priming site (UUP), a second portion containing a first target specific sequence and a detection position, and a second probe having a first portion containing a downsteam universal priming site (DUP) and a second portion containing a second target specific sequence, wherein said probe set further comprises at least one adapter sequence; (b) contacting said hybridization complex with a ligase to form a ligated hybridization complex; (c) removing non-hybridized probe sets; (d) amplifying said ligated hybridization complex with a universal primer pair to form amplicons; (e) immobilizing said amplicons to a solid support; (f) contacting said immobilized amplicons with a detection label, wherein the mass of said detection label is indicative of said nucleotide at said detection position, and (g) determining a nucleotide at said detection position.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said probe set further comprises a plurality of first and second probes.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first or second probe further comprises a partially double stranded nucleic acid.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first or second probe further comprises a linker.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first or second probe further comprises a nucleotide modification.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said nucleotide modification comprises a nuclease inhibitor.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said nucleotide modification comprises a nucleotide analog.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing said non-hybridized probes by contacting said hybridization complex with a nuclease.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said nuclease comprises an exonuclease.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said removing of said non-hybridized probes further comprises the steps: (a) immobilizing said ligated hybridization complex to a solid support, and (b) washing said ligated hybridization complex-immobilized to said solid support.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one primer of said universal primer pair further comprises biotin.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said solid support is selected from the group consisting of a bead, a reaction vessel and an array.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said reaction vessel further comprises a microtiter well.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said array further comprises a plurality of capture probes.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said detection label further comprises a secondary label.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said secondary label allows detection of said amplicons by separation.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said detection label comprises a primer.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said primer comprises a universal primer.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein said detection label comprises one or more nucleotides.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step: (a) extending one or more probes within said hybridization complex with a polymerase.
 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising immobilizing said target sequence to a solid support.
 22. The method of claim 1, further comprising amplifying said target sequence.
 23. A method for determining the identification of nucleotides at detection positions in a plurality of target sequences, comprising: (a) hybridizing a plurality of target sequences with a plurality of probe sets to form a plurality of hybridization complexes, each of said probe sets within said plurality comprising a first probe having a first portion containing an upstream universal priming site (UUP), a second portion containing a first target specific sequence and a detection position, and a second probe having a first portion containing a downsteam universal priming site (DUP) and a second portion containing a second target specific sequence, wherein each of said probe sets within said plurality of probe sets further comprises at least one adapter sequence; (b) contacting said plurality of hybridization complexes with a ligase to form ligated hybridization complexes; (c) removing non-hybridized probe sets; (d) amplifying said plurality of ligated hybridization complexes with a plurality of universal primer pairs to form a plurality of amplicons; (e) immobilizing said plurality of amplicons to a solid support; (f) contacting said plurality of immobilized amplicons with a plurality of detection labels, wherein the mass of said detection labels is indicative of a nucleotide at said detection position, and (g) determining a nucleotide at said detection position.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said plurality of probe sets further comprise a plurality of first and second probes.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein said first or second probes further comprise a partially double stranded nucleic acid.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein said first or second probes further comprise a linker.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein said first or second probes further comprise a nucleotide modification.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein said nucleotide modification comprises a nuclease inhibitor.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein said nucleotide modification comprises a nucleotide analog.
 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising removing said non-hybridized probe sets by contacting said ligated hybridization complexes with a nuclease.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said nuclease comprises an exonuclease.
 32. The method of claim 23, wherein said removing of said non-hybridized probe sets further comprises the steps: (a) immobilizing said ligated hybridization complexes to a solid support, and (b) washing said ligated hybridization complexes immobilized to said solid support.
 33. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one primer of said universal primer pair further comprises biotin.
 34. The method of claim 23, wherein said solid support is selected from the group consisting of a bead, a reaction vessel and an array.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein said reaction vessel further comprises a microtiter well.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein said array further comprises a plurality of capture probes.
 37. The method of claim 23, wherein said plurality of detection labels further comprise a plurality of secondary labels.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein said plurality of secondary labels allow detection of said plurality of amplicons by separation.
 39. The method of claim 23, wherein said plurality of detection labels comprise a plurality of primers.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein said plurality of primers comprise a plurality of universal primers.
 41. The method of claim 23, wherein said plurality of detection labels comprise one or more nucleotides.
 42. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step: (a) extending one or more probes within said plurality of hybridization complexes with a polymerase.
 43. The method of claim 23, further comprising immobilizing said plurality of target sequences to a solid support.
 44. The method of claim 23, further comprising amplifying said plurality of target sequences.
 45. A method of determining the identification of a nucleotide at a detection position in a target sequence comprising a first target domain adjacent to said detection position and a second target domain comprising said detection position, wherein said method comprises: (a) hybridizing a first ligation probe to said first target domain, said first ligation probe comprising: (i) a first portion comprising an upstream universal priming site (UUP); and (ii) a second portion comprising a first target-specific sequence comprising a first base at an interrogation position; and (b) hybridizing a second ligation probe to said second target domain, said second ligation probe comprising: (i) a third portion comprising a downstream universal priming site (DUP); and (ii) a fourth portion comprising a second target-specific sequence; wherein if said first base is complementary to said nucleotide at said detection position, a ligation complex is formed, and wherein at least one of said first and second ligation probes comprises a fifth portion comprising a distinct adapter sequence; (c) providing a ligase that ligates said first and second ligation probes to form a ligated probe; (d) removing non-hybridized probes; (e) amplifying said ligated probe using said UUP and said DUP to generate a plurality of amplicons; (f) immobilizing said amplicons to a solid support; (g) contacting said immobilized amplicons with a detection label, wherein the mass of said detection label is indicative of said nucleotide at said detection position, and (h) determining the nucleotide at said detection position.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein said first or second ligation probe further comprises a plurality of first or second probes.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein said first or second ligation probe further comprises a partially double stranded nucleic acid.
 48. The method of claim 45, wherein said first or second ligation probe further comprises a linker.
 49. The method of claim 45, wherein said first or second ligation probe further comprise a nucleotide modification.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein said nucleotide modification comprises a nuclease inhibitor.
 51. The method of claim 49, wherein said nucleotide modification comprises a nucleotide analog.
 52. The method of claim 45, further comprising removing said non-hybridized probes by contacting said hybridization complex with a nuclease.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein said nuclease comprises an exonuclease.
 54. The method of claim 45, wherein said removing of said non-hybridized probes further comprises the steps: (a) immobilizing said ligated probe to a solid support, and (b) washing said ligated probe immobilized to said solid support.
 55. The method of claim 45, wherein at least on primer of said universal primer pair further comprises biotin.
 56. The method of claim 45, wherein said solid support is selected from the group consisting of a bead, a reaction vessel and an array.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein said reaction vessel further comprises a microtiter well.
 58. The method of claim 56, wherein said array further comprises a plurality of capture probes.
 59. The method of claim 45, wherein said detection label further comprises a secondary label.
 60. The method of claim 59, wherein said secondary label allows detection of said amplicons by separation.
 61. The method of claim 45, wherein said detection label comprises a primer.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein said primer comprises a universal primer.
 63. The method of claim 45, wherein said detection label comprises one or more nucleotides.
 64. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step: (a) extending one or more probes within said ligation complex with a polymerase.
 65. The method of claim 45, further comprising immobilizing said target sequence to a solid support.
 66. The method of claim 45, further comprising amplifying said target sequence. 